NASA has completed a series of scientific balloon flights over Antarctica during a campaign that began in early December. Four balloons were launched from a site near McMurdo Station on the Ross Ice Shelf and remained in flight for several weeks. The flights were part of NASA’s ongoing Scientific Balloon Program, which supports research using high-altitude balloons rather than satellites.Two of the missions carried large science payloads. One was the General AntiParticle Spectrometer, known as GAPS, which lifted off on December 15. The payload is designed to study antimatter particles detected in Earth’s atmosphere. The balloon remained airborne for just over 25 days before returning to the ice on January 9.A second major payload, the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations, launched on December 19. It stayed aloft for more than 23 days and landed on January 12. The instrument is intended to detect signals linked to high-energy particles. Two smaller balloons were also launched later in the month to support the same mission.
NASA’s high-flying balloon experiments could unlock secrets of the universe
The first major launch in the campaign took place on December 15 with the General Antiparticle Spectrometer, known as GAPS. The balloon carried an instrument designed to detect rare antimatter particles entering Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are of interest because they may offer clues about dark matter, a form of matter believed to make up most of the universe but which cannot be directly observed.The GAPS balloon remained in flight for just over 25 days before returning to the ice on January 9. During that time, it followed a circular path around Antarctica, taking advantage of steady winds and near-constant sunlight. The long flight allowed the instrument to collect extended data sets under consistent conditions.
PUEO flight focused on high energy particles
A second major payload, the Payload for Ultrahigh Energy Observations, or PUEO, launched on December 19. This mission is designed to detect neutrinos, extremely energetic particles that travel across the universe with little interference. Because neutrinos are difficult to observe, experiments like PUEO rely on sensitive instruments and long observation times.PUEO remained aloft for more than 23 days, landing on January 12. The mission also marked the first launch under NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers program, which aims to support focused science missions at a lower cost than traditional space missions.
Secondary balloons supported core science goals
Alongside the two primary missions, NASA also launched two smaller balloons by hand on December 21. These secondary balloons carried radio beacons known as HiCal and remained in flight until December 25. For a brief period, all four balloons were airborne at the same time. The HiCal beacons produced radio signals similar to those expected from neutrino interactions. This allowed the PUEO team to test and confirm the sensitivity of their detection systems using known signal sources.
Antarctica offers unique flight conditions
Antarctica provides conditions that are difficult to match elsewhere on Earth. During the summer months, constant sunlight helps keep balloon altitude stable. Winds tend to form predictable circular paths around the continent, allowing balloons to remain aloft for weeks.The campaign used zero pressure balloons, which are designed to remain in balance with the surrounding atmosphere. As the balloon rises, excess gas is released through vents to prevent internal pressure from building up. This design supports long duration flights without placing stress on the balloon structure.
Programme management and technical support
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia manages the Scientific Balloon Program. Peraton provides mission planning, engineering support, and field operations through the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Texas. The balloons themselves are manufactured by Aerostar International.Funding for the programme comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate through its Astrophysics Division. Together, these teams support a steady schedule of balloon launches each year, often flying instruments that later inform satellite missions.
Balloon science continues to fill a niche
Scientific balloons do not replace satellites, but they occupy a space between ground based observatories and orbital missions. They allow researchers to test new instruments, collect long-duration data, and respond more quickly to emerging scientific questions.The Antarctica campaign reflects that role. The flights were quiet, methodical, and largely out of public view. Their value lies in the data now under analysis and in what similar missions may attempt next.