The project, termed Extreme Universe Space Observatory on a Super Pressure Balloon – aka EUSO-SPB2 – is searching for messengers from outer space: tiny, highly energetic particles that hit the Earth on their way from elsewhere in the universe.
The mission, which involves 280 researchers from 13 countries and 77 institutions, consists of two instruments which will be attached to a high-altitude balloon launched by Nasa. The balloon and its cargo are currently under final construction and assembly.
When completed, EUSO-SPB2 will ride wind currents about 20 miles above the Earth around the southern hemisphere, gathering data and searching for tracks left by two types of incoming particles.
Image credit: Angela Olinto
EUSO-SPB2 will carry two different telescopes in order to detect two different...