BARREL 2I: Bremsstrahlung X-ray Spectra from Balloon Campaigns, 4-Second Resolution

48 channels of medium time resolution, 4-second Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra detected with a NaI Scintillator, covering an energy range from 0 MeV to 4 MeV. The BARREL Mission was a NASA Living with a Star Mission of Opportunity, launching over 50 stratospheric balloons from Antarctica (2013-2014) and Sweden (2015-2016) to study electron losses from Earth's Radiation Belts. The data provides the first balloon measurements of relativistic electron precipitation coordinated with in situ measurements from the Van Allen Probes.

Use Cases

• Study spatial and temporal variations of electron precipitation based on the multi-balloon array design.
• Characterize the spatial scale of precipitation at relativistic energies based on the dataset's stated purpose.
• Correlate balloon X-ray measurements with in situ plasma wave and particle data from the Van Allen Probes mission.
• Analyze ULF-timescale magnetic field variations using the co-located DC magnetometer data mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Data from over 50 stratospheric balloon flights across four campaigns (2013-2016).
• Provides the first balloon measurements of relativistic electron precipitation coordinated with comprehensive in situ measurements.
• 48 spectral channels combined into a single variable (MSPC) with a defined 0-4 MeV energy range.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data files are in BIN, PDF, TEXT, and HTML formats, which may require specialized tools for processing.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measured by X-ray spectrometers and DC magnetometers carried on stratospheric balloons.

Time Range

Campaigns conducted in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 13:14:08.812877; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Balloon launches from Halley Bay and SANAE IV base in Antarctica, and the Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden.