Students execute a space experiment
Students in Kiruna have launched an experiment on the Bexus 33 balloon into the stratosphere. The experiment is meant to measure aerosol particles in the atmosphere using lasers, and the end-goal is to confirm the existence of these particles and how many there are. The findings will later be summarised in a report.
How is the experiment done?
– Our student-built experiment ALMA (Atmospheric Laser Measurements of Aerosols) measures aerosol particles over Kiruna using lasers. This is done by using a pump that draws in air through a laser setup. By analysing deflected light, we determine particle density, shedding light on their origin from distant volcanoes, says student Malik Bäumer, one of the team members.
What is the best thing about carrying out real space projects as students?
– Participating in the REXUS/BEXUS program offers a rare insight into the workings of the space industry. It provides an invaluable opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals and gain firsthand experience of a genuine space campaign. While the experiments on REXUS/BEXUS are conceived and executed by students, they adhere to the rigorous standards employed in actual space missions.
What did you learn from this project experience?
– This endeavour has been an extensive learning experience for our team. One crucial lesson was to diversify our approaches and not rely entirely on a single strategy. Numerous setbacks arose from logistical issues and delays in shipments. Late arrivals or even lost orders from our shipping service led to setbacks in our timeline. It may seem straightforward, but having contingency plans has proved to be crucial.
What has been the most fun during the project?
– Definitely the visit at ESRANGE and being surrounded by other students from across Europe with their own experiments and hearing their stories and challenges was very inspiring. Also, just the launch campaign atmosphere of everyone being so nervous and excited made the whole visit at ESRANGE an experience we will never forget.
Do you have advice for anyone who is thinking about applying to the Master Programme Spacecraft design?
– If you are thinking about studying Master in Spacecraft design, I really recommend joining the REXUS/BEXUS program! It is truly an amazing experience, and you will grow and learn so much from participating. Or, you can come up with your own project, gather a team and apply to the open application for proposals by the European Space Agency. Who knows, maybe we will see your project at a space conference in the future.
Faktaruta
Rexus/Bexus is a collaboration between the German Aerospace Center (Forschungszentrum der Bundesrepublik Deutschland für Luft- und Raumfahrt) and the Swedish National Space Agency (Rymdstyrelsen). The purpose of Rexus/Bexus is to provide students from European universities with the opportunity to conduct scientific and technical experiments using research rockets and high-altitude balloons.
Rexus is a sounding rocket launched from the Esrange Space Center.
Bexus consists of high-altitude balloons that are also released from the Esrange Space Center. The balloons fly at an altitude of 20-30 kilometers for approximately five hours.
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