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| A giant balloon probes the atmosphere above Saskatchewan |
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| On September 1, 2004, 8:30 a.m., a MANTRA balloon took flight from a field near Vanscoy, Saskatchewan. MANTRA stands for "middle atmosphere nitrogen trend assessment" and this is the fourth balloon to be launched. This mission was to scan the atmosphere for one day to detect nitrogen compounds, ozone and aerosol levels using six onboard instruments. However, the mission was cancelled after sunset because of command problems with the balloon. |
The MANTRA Logo
(University of Toronto) |
Scientists wanted to determine whether long-term changes in nitrogen and chlorine compounds accounts for the mid-latitude ozone depletion that has been observed. This year's leading-edge instruments could measure a greater number of gases and provide greater data accuracy. This would help avoid misinterpretations during the extensive model development phase.
The gondola is almost ready to fly.
(Photo: University of Toronto) |
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The 2002 flight payload
(Photo: University of Toronto) |
Ultimately, this study will help researchers verify the effectiveness of environmental measures put in place since the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987. The Canadian Space Agency, Environment Canada, and the University of Toronto are collaborating on this project.
Immense pear-shaped balloon
The MANTRA balloon is being inflated. (Photo: University of Toronto) |
The 120,000-cubic-metre MANTRA balloon is as tall as a 20-storey building. The balloon is so large, that even when it flies at an altitude of 35 km above the Earth, it can easily be seen up to 100 km away with the naked eye. It was launched just before sunrise. When it reached its top altitude, the instruments onboard tracked the rising Sun and used a variety of techniques to measure the gases present in the stratosphere by scanning the Earth's horizon at a range of altitudes. At the end of its journey, the payload detached from its carrier and landed safely with a parachute. |
University contribution is a plus for students
MANTRA wouldn't be possible without the contribution of different universities. The students, researchers, and technical staff involved in MANTRA actively took part in flight preparation and will contribute to post-flight data reduction. As in the past, MANTRA helps students acquire expertise.
Up to 10 people are required to assist as the balloon is inflated.
(MANTRA flight, 2002. Photo: University of Toronto)
MANTRA is funded under the Canadian Space Agency's Small Payloads Program and receives additional support from Environment Canada. The university staff and students participating in the project also receive support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The principal investigator is Dr. Kimberly Strong, of the University of Toronto, and is assisted by Dr. Stella M. L. Melo, deputy principal investigator, also of the University of Toronto. Environment Canada lead scientist Dr. Tom McElroy is co-investigator. Other co-investigators assisting in the research include James Drummond (University of Toronto), Peter Bernath, (University of Waterloo), Hans Fast (Meteorological Service of Canada), John McConnell (York University), Ben Quine (York University), Theodore Shepherd (University of Toronto), and Brian Solheim (CRESTech/York University). The mission's industrial partner, Scientific Instrumentation Ltd., is responsible for providing launch and recovery services, and payload engineering support.
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