BARREL 2T: Fast Time Resolution Bremsstrahlung X-ray Spectra from Balloon Campaigns

Six channels of fast time resolution, 50 ms, Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra detected with a NaI Scintillator. The BARREL Mission was a multiple-balloon investigation designed to study electron losses from Earth's Radiation Belts, launched from Antarctica and Sweden between 2013 and 2016. Over 50 stratospheric balloons were launched, providing measurements to augment the Van Allen Probes mission.

Use Cases

• Analyzing temporal variations of electron precipitation based on 50 ms time resolution X-ray spectra
• Characterizing spatial scales of relativistic electron precipitation based on multi-balloon array data
• Correlating balloon X-ray measurements with in-situ plasma wave and particle data from the Van Allen Probes
• Studying ULF-timescale magnetic field variations based on concurrent DC magnetometer measurements

Strengths

• Provides six channels of X-ray spectra with a fast 50 ms time resolution
• Data collected from over 50 balloon flights across four campaigns from 2013 to 2016
• Campaigns coordinated with the Van Allen Probes mission and other ground/space instruments

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to launch sites in Antarctica and Sweden

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 03:41:12.351595; freshness should be verified

Geography

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