High-Altitude Stratospheric Particle Exposure Analysis Device

The stratosphere, a critical region in Earth’s climate system, remains difficult to study due to the high cost and complexity of sampling at high altitudes. Aerosolized particles in this region influence radiative balance, ozone chemistry, and cloud formation, yet current methods for stratospheric collection are limited by cost, weight, and risk of contamination. This project advances the Particle Exposure Analysis (PEA) device, or “PEApod,” a compact, balloon-borne capsule designed for controlled aerosol exposure and sample recovery from the stratosphere. The PEApod autonomously opens at target altitudes to expose aerosol substrates to real atmospheric conditions—including low pressure (≈10 hPa), low temperature (down to –60 °C), and high ultraviolet radiation—then reseals and repressurizes the sample chamber for safe descent and post-flight analysis.

Building upon previous design work that established the mechanical form factor and opening mechanism, this phase focuses on three key developments: (1) integration of a positive-pressure regulation system to prevent sample contamination during ascent and descent, (2) validation of airtightness and thermal resilience under simulated flight conditions, and (3) mechanical-electrical integration with environmental sensors and microcontroller-driven logic for autonomous actuation. The device is designed to meet strict technical specifications: total mass under 5 lbs for high-altitude balloon compliance, mechanical and electrical operation across 1000–10 hPa and 25 °C to –60 °C, and impact resistance up to 10 m/s.

Finite element analysis (FEA) and controlled environmental testing in a thermal-vacuum chamber will evaluate mechanical integrity, seal performance, and system functionality. The capsule’s 2U CubeSat-compatible dimensions (10 × 10 × 20 cm) ensure modular adaptability to a range of flight platforms, from research aircraft to small-scale high-altitude balloons. Designed for repeatability and low cost, the PEApod system expands access to stratospheric aerosol research by enabling smaller laboratories and student teams to conduct high-impact atmospheric studies without reliance on large, expensive aircraft.

By improving accessibility and control in stratospheric sampling, this work contributes to long-term efforts in atmospheric chemistry, climate modeling, and pollution monitoring, offering a scalable approach to studying aerosols in situ while preserving sample integrity from the edge of space to the laboratory.