Cosmic-ray energetics and mass (CREAM) balloon project

Abstract

The cosmic-ray energetics and mass (CREAM) investigation is designed to measure cosmic-ray composition to the supernova energy scale of 10(15) eV in a series of ultra long duration balloon (ULDB) flights. The first flight is planned to be launched from Antarctica in December 2004. The goal is to observe cosmic-ray spectral features and/or abundance changes that might signify a limit to supernova acceleration. The particle charge (Z) measurements will be made with a timing-based charge detector and a pixelated silicon charge detector to minimize the effect of backscatter from the calorimeter. The particle energy measurements will be made with a transition radiation detector (TRD) for Z > 3 and a sampling tungsten/scintillator calorimeter for Z greater than or equal to 1 particles, allowing inflight cross calibration of the two detectors. The status of the payload construction and flight preparation are reported in this paper. (C) 2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.