タイトル（掲載誌）JAXA Research and Development Report
一般注記出版タイプ： VoR
In this study, we developed an ultra-compact balloon system to improve observation opportunities for noctilucent clouds (NLCs) that are optical phenomena in the upper atmosphere. The system was designed to conduct optical observations from low-level clouds that often obstruct ground-based observations. Using a 300 g rubber balloon with a tethering line, the system lifts a payload of approximately 1 kg. Given that NLCs occur primarily at high latitudes, test observations must be conducted in polar regions. Furthermore, as NLCs are visible at twilight and require an exposure time of approximately 1 s to capture an image with a standard camera, the degree of attitude stability is essential. This study presents the results of a test observation using an ultra-compact tethered balloon system equipped with a lightweight stabilizer that harnesses wind forces, a small action camera, various sensors, and a long-range (LoRa) transmitter. The system was launched at Syowa Station, Antarctica (69.0 °S, 39.6 °E) during the summer observation period (December 2023 to February 2024) of the 65th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE65). We evaluated the attitude stability of the camera during a successful round-trip flight at an altitude of 2 km, thereby demonstrating the effectiveness of the system for NLC observation. Additionally, based on the measured frequency and vertical distribution of cloud cover over Syowa Station, our results indicate that observation opportunities for NLCs can be roughly doubled (from 12.5-35.9 % to 21.9-42.2 %) by flying the balloon to an altitude of 2 km. Furthermore, flying to altitudes of 4 km could potentially allow for 60.9-78.1 % of the observation period to be free from cloud cover.
Number of Authors : 11
著者人数: 11名
Physical characteristics: Original contains color illustrations
形態: カラー図版あり
レポート番号: JAXA-RR-24-005
連携機関・データベース国立情報学研究所 : 学術機関リポジトリデータベース（IRDB）（機関リポジトリ）
提供元機関・データベース宇宙航空研究開発機構 : 宇宙航空研究開発機構リポジトリ