MARSBalloon
Leicester High School have obtained three places for three experiments to be launched on the MARSBalloon project.
Our experiments will be carried by a helium filled balloon to a height of 30km which is more than twice the height of commercial airliners. At this height the balloon will be above 99% of Earth’s atmosphere. Along the way the experiments will experience conditions very similar to the surface of Mars including temperatures of -50°C, pressures 1/100th that of sea level and an increased radiation dose.
The Mars-analogue science experiments we have designed are relevant to understanding the science needed to get people to Mars.
Our three experiments are …
Detecting Cosmic Rays in the upper atmosphere. We are using two different speeds of film which will be exposed to the high levels of radiation similar to the surface of Mars. Once the film has been developed and compared to control at ground level, we will be able to look at the question of how safe is the surface of Mars? Can we detect and monitor cosmic rays and to what extent do we need to shield?
Cress seeds We are sending cress seeds to the edge of space and will then germinate and grow the seeds compared to control left at ground level. This is for a project looking at colonizing Mars: can we take seeds into space and do they germinate after exposure to the low pressure/high radiation atmosphere on Mars?
Crystal growing. We are sending a saturated borax solution to for our third experiment. This project is about then growing the crystals when returned. This will enable us to look at the question: Does the low pressure/temperature/vibration affect the ability to grow a crystal? How can this be extrapolated to other chemistry? Do the conditions in low pressure atmosphere like Mars affect equilibrium position?
In the picture you can see some of the girls from 8C who have been decorating our experiment capsules ready for launch which is scheduled for early June – but is very weather dependent!
