BIMS (Balloon-borne Ion Mass Spectrometer)

Developed by Ionospheric Physics Division, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL)

Balloon launched on 6/6/1985, from Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

BIMS was the acronym for Balloon-borne Ion Mass Spectrometer an instrument developed in the early 1980's decade by the Ionospheric Physics Division of the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory. The goal of BIMS was to acquire information on the ionic conditions in the upper stratosphere, a region critical to the understanding and modeling of extremely low frequency radio propagation.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 6/6/1985
Launch site: Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico, US  
Balloon launched by: Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Raven - SV-102 - 11.660.000 cuft
Flight identification number: H85-07
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 6/6/1985
Landing site: Failure of the balloon in flight
 Payload weight: 1855 lb

During ascent, the balloon experienced a failure at 57.000 ft near the top of the tropopause.

External references

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