Steward Observatory Balloon Mission Shatters NASA Record 22 Miles above Antarctica

A pioneering balloon mission led by the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory has broken NASA's record for the longest-flying heavy-lift balloon mission, soaring 22 miles above Antarctica. The mission, dubbed GUSTO (Galactic / Extragalactic ULDB Spectroscopic Terahertz Observatory), aims to unravel mysteries surrounding the stellar life cycle within our galaxy and beyond.

Attached to the balloon, the gondola is being prepared for launch on Dec. 31, 2023. Credit: NASA

Launching nearly two months ago from the serene expanse of the Ross Ice Shelf on a tranquil morning, GUSTO embarked on its ambitious journey, equipped with cutting-edge far infrared technology. Now cruising at an altitude of 120,000 feet above the Antarctic continent, the colossal zero-pressure balloon has surpassed the previous record of 55 days, 1 hour, and 34 minutes, achieving this feat at 10:22 a.m. Saturday Tucson time.

The significance of GUSTO lies in its ability to capture far infrared radio emissions from the interstellar matter, offering invaluable insights into cosmic phenomena. These terahertz signals, with frequencies surpassing those emitted by an FM radio by a millionfold, are typically absorbed by water vapor in Earth's atmosphere, necessitating observations from exceedingly dry or high-elevation locations like the South Pole or the Atacama Desert.

Professor Chris Walker, the principal investigator for the GUSTO mission, highlighted the mission's quest for drier conditions, emphasizing the necessity to explore increasingly remote locales to unlock the secrets of the universe. Balloon-based telescopes like GUSTO present a cost-effective alternative to fully space-based observatories, marrying the advantages of space observation with the logistical feasibility of Earth-based operations.

However, executing a successful balloon launch is not without its challenges. It demands perfect weather conditions, with minimal ground and stratospheric wind speeds. The launch itself is a spectacle, with support crews meticulously orchestrating the inflation process as the balloon billows and unfurls against the Antarctic backdrop, its fate hanging on the whims of nature.

Once airborne, GUSTO embarks on a celestial odyssey, traversing the boundary between the stratosphere and space, where it harnesses the circular currents of Antarctic winds to collect vital data on cosmic chemicals. Equipped with emission line detectors, the mission endeavors to decipher the molecular composition of the interstellar medium, shedding light on the intricate processes underlying star formation.

The culmination of a decade-long journey, the GUSTO mission represents a collaborative effort involving institutions like the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. From proposal submission to rigorous testing, the mission has exemplified perseverance and innovation in the pursuit of scientific discovery.

As GUSTO continues its unprecedented flight, researchers at the University of Arizona and partner institutions remain vigilant, remotely monitoring the mission's progress through a network of cutting-edge telecommunications technologies. The data collected by GUSTO promises to revolutionize our understanding of the universe's fundamental processes, paving the way for future breakthroughs in astrophysics.

With the mission's duration contingent upon operational factors such as the longevity of its cooling system and seasonal variations, GUSTO's legacy extends beyond its record-breaking flight. It serves as a testament to humanity's insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of knowledge, pushing the boundaries of exploration to new frontiers.

As Professor Walker aptly summarizes, "If you're not pushing the edge, what's the point?" The GUSTO mission epitomizes this ethos, heralding a new era of discovery in the realm of astrophysics and inspiring generations to come.