From Ground to Space: An Overview of the JEM-EUSO Program for the Study of UHECRs and Astrophysical Neutrinos

TL;DR

The JEM-EUSO program aims to detect ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos from space using advanced UV detection technology, combining ground, balloon, and space-based experiments to enhance understanding of extreme astrophysical phenomena.

Contribution

This overview introduces the multi-platform approach of JEM-EUSO, highlighting new space-based UV detection methods and integrated hybrid detection techniques for studying UHECRs and neutrinos.

Findings

Successful calibration of detection systems with ground experiments

Demonstrated UV background measurements from space platforms

Validated detection technologies with balloon-borne missions

Abstract

The JEM-EUSO (Joint Exploratory Missions for Extreme Universe Space Observatory) collaboration is an international initiative studying ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and related phenomena. These particles, with energies exceeding 10$^{20}$~eV, provide insights into extreme astrophysical processes but remain challenging to detect due to their low flux. At the heart of JEM-EUSO's technology is an ultra-fast, highly sensitive UV camera capable of detecting EASs in the atmosphere with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. A dedicated Cherenkov camera has been developed to evaluate the viability of the Earth-skimming technique from high altitudes. Fluorescence and Cherenkov detectors can be used together to create a hybrid detection surface. This innovative approach enables detailed studies of fluorescence and Cherenkov light from cosmic ray and neutrino interactions. The JEM-EUSO technology will allow for observations from space to significantly increase the exposure to these rare phenomena. The collaboration employs a multi-platform strategy with ground-based experiments like EUSO-TA calibrating detection systems and validating models, and balloon-borne missions such as EUSO-Balloon and EUSO-SPB1/SPB2 demonstrating observations from the stratosphere and testing technologies. Space-based missions, particularly Mini-EUSO on the ISS, have provided valuable data on UV backgrounds, TLEs, and meteoroids, as well as demonstrating the potential for future space-based detection. While we are developing a cross-platform methodology, we are ultimately moving towards space-based measurements. Future efforts include the POEMMA space mission, designed for stereoscopic observations of UHECRs and multi-messenger phenomena, the PBR experiment, which integrates radio detection and is scheduled to fly in 2027, and the M-EUSO satellite mission, proposed to ESA.