Particle Astrophysics in NASA's Long Duration Balloon Program

TL;DR

NASA's balloon program, especially Antarctic long-duration flights, continues to be vital for cosmic ray research, with recent advancements aiming for ultra-long duration balloons to enhance particle astrophysics studies.

Contribution

This paper reports on the current status and recent developments of NASA's balloon program, highlighting its role in cosmic ray research and progress toward ultra-long duration balloons.

Findings

Successful Antarctic long-duration balloon missions

Advancements in ultra-long duration balloon technology

Enhanced capabilities for cosmic ray investigation

Abstract

A century after Victor Hess' discovery of cosmic rays, balloon flights still play a central role in the investigation of cosmic rays over nearly their entire spectrum. We report on the current status of NASA balloon program for particle astrophysics, with particular emphasis on the very successful Antarctic long-duration balloon program, and new developments in the progress toward ultra-long duration balloons.