BARREL 4D X-ray Spectrometer: Bremsstrahlung X-ray Spectrum Data from Balloon Campaigns

Antarctic and Arctic stratospheric balloon campaigns collected this data between 2013 and 2016. The dataset contains 256 channels of slow time resolution (32 s) Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra, covering an energy range from 0 MeV to 10 MeV, combined into a single variable named SSPC. It was produced by NASA's BARREL mission to study electron losses from Earth's Radiation Belts in coordination with the Van Allen Probes.

Use Cases

• Study spatial and temporal variations of electron precipitation based on the balloon array design across magnetic local time.
• Characterize the spatial scale of precipitation at relativistic energies based on the described balloon constellation measurements.
• Analyze Bremsstrahlung X-ray spectra for correlations with in-situ plasma wave and particle data mentioned as available.
• Model radiation belt electron loss processes based on direct measurements of precipitating relativistic electrons.

Strengths

• Data collected from over 50 stratospheric balloon flights across four campaigns, providing multiple observational points.
• Spectra cover a defined nominal energy range from 0 MeV to 10 MeV across 256 channels.
• Campaigns were coordinated with comprehensive in-situ measurements from the Van Allen Probes mission and other instruments.

Limitations

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

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

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

Time Range

2013 to 2016

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 11:42:58.368905; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Balloon launches from Halley Bay and SANAE IV base in Antarctica (2013-2014) and Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden (2015-2016).