HYGROMETER (in support of MAGIC rocket launch)

Developed by Department of Meteorology at Stockholm University

Balloon launched on 1/10/2005, from European Space Range, Kiruna, Sweden

Purpose of the flight and payload description

An hygrometer is an instrument which measures the water vapor content in the atmosphere. This one was launched in support of the MAGIC (Mesospheric Aerosol - Genesis, Interaction and Composition) rocket, launched a few hours later and wich aim was to collect the meteoric material in the atmosphere and to return it to the ground. After the flight everything was taken to laboratories where various methods will be applied to analyze the collected "stardust".

In this frame work the balloon-borne hygrometer was launched some hours before the rocket to provide detailed measurements of water vapour as it serves as an excellent tracer for mesospheric transport.

These measurements have been done using MISU's optical hygrometer technique.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 1/10/2005 at 3:13
Launch site: European Space Range, Kiruna, Sweden  
Balloon launched by: Swedish Space Corporation (SSC)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon  
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 1/10/2005
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): ~ 3 h
Campaign: MAGIC  

The balloon was launched at 3:13 UTC on January 10th, 2005.

The balloon reached an altitude of 33,7 km and flew for approximately 2 hours into the northern part of Finland.

No data available about landing or recovery.

External references

Images of the mission

Preparing the Hygrometer Another view of the small payload Balloon inflation    

If you consider this website interesting or useful, you can help me to keep it up and running with a small donation to cover the operational costs. Just the equivalent of the price of a cup of coffee helps a lot.



1431