The Probe of Extreme Multi-Messenger Astrophysics Observatory (POEMMA) is a proposed NASA mission to measure ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos from astrophysical sources.
Leading up to POEMMA is a series of ultra-long balloon flights called EUSO-SPB. Our group participates in EUSO-SPB2 and led the development of the instrument for the Cherenkov telescope. Spearheaded by postdoctoral researcher Dr. Mahdi Bagheri and two graduate students, Eliza Gazda and Oscar Romero Matamala who graduated in Summer 2004.
We had a short two day flight in early 2023 until the balloon splashed into the Pacific due to a leak. However, we collected enough data to show that our instrument worked as expected. With this pioneering experiment we could show for the first time that air-shower imaging works from sub-orbital altitudes and highlight the challenges associated with the proposed technique.
Our group discontinued its participation in EUSO and POEMMA in August 2024.
Here is a video showing the launch of our balloon from Wanaka, New Zealand.