University of Victoria

Published purpose

Investigations of critical problems in both atmospheric science and astronomy are limited by the most basic problem of optical calibration: the precision of measurements of the brightness of the light sources. Is it possible to greatly improve precision of measurements of the magnitude of stars supernovae, and other astronomical sources, so that we can understand and calibrate measurements of the accelerating expansion of the Universe, measure various properties of Earth's atmosphere better, and furthermore create a new type of miniature stratospheric hub for telecommunication? To improve the precision of measurements of brightness, this project builds on the Canadian CubeSat Project - ORCASat experience to develop a novel low-cost, hand-launched miniature stratospheric airship platform capability with impact across the diverse fields of astronomy, telecommunications, Earth observation, and the science of Earth's atmosphere. After the achievement of the astrophysical goals, the project team will utilize the unique ability to persistently remain over a region to provide low-cost miniature stratospheric hubs for Canadian and worldwide regional communication, and for Earth and atmospheric observation.