SwRI Demonstrates Balloon-Based Solar Observatory

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has successfully demonstrated a miniature solar observatory using a high-altitude balloon. The SwRI Solar Instrument Pointing Platform (SSIPP) is a high-precision solar observatory about the size of a mini fridge, which collects solar data using infrared, ultraviolet or visible light instruments on an optical table, similar to those used in ground-based observatories.

During the proof-of-concept flight, which collected 75 minutes of solar images, SSIPP imaged a special range of blue light called the “g band”. SwRI scientists will now search the images for visible signatures of “high-frequency” solar sound waves, which are poorly understood.

SSIPP is an arcsecond-class observatory, which provides optical precision equivalent to imaging a dime from a mile away.

SSIPP could support the development of a range of new instruments for the near-space environment at relatively low cost, said SwRI’s Dr. Craig DeForest. The platform supports the development of custom solar instruments, and collecting data from the edge of space avoids image distortions caused by looking through the atmosphere. SSIPP launched aboard a World View stratospheric balloon, funded by NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program under the Space Technology Mission Directorate.

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