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

NASA's BARREL mission launched over 50 stratospheric balloons to study relativistic electron precipitation from Earth's radiation belts. The data includes 48-channel, 4-second resolution Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra collected by NaI scintillators, covering an energy range from 0 MeV to 4 MeV. Campaigns were conducted from Antarctica in 2013-2014 and from Sweden in 2015-2016 in coordination with the Van Allen Probes mission.

Use Cases

• Modeling spatial scales of relativistic electron precipitation based on multi-balloon array measurements.
• Correlating X-ray spectra with in-situ plasma wave and particle data from the Van Allen Probes.
• Analyzing temporal variations in electron precipitation using 4-second resolution time-series data.
• Studying the relationship between magnetic field variations and X-ray flux using concurrent magnetometer data.

Strengths

• Data was collected by an array of over 50 balloon payloads, providing spatial context.
• Spectra cover a nominal energy range of 0 MeV to 4 MeV across 48 channels.
• Campaigns were coordinated with comprehensive in-situ measurements from the Van Allen Probes mission.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

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 12:46:36.229512; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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