The flight is scheduled to launch in December 2023[1] from McMurdo, Antarctica,[6][5] and is expected to stay airborne for 70 to 120 days, depending on weather conditions.[6][4] GUSTO will be controlled and monitored from several stations around the United States.[5]
Objective
The objective of GUSTO is to provide the first complete spectroscopic study of all phases of the stellar life cycle, from the formation of molecular clouds (also called stellar nurseries), through star birth and evolution, to the formation of interstellar gas clouds and the re-initiation of the cycle.[4] This will allow to determine the composition, energetics, and dynamics of the interstellar medium.[3][unreliable source?] It will do so by observing simultaneously in three specific far infrared (FIR) wavelengths.[3][unreliable source?] The researchers state that "this unique and novel combination of data will provide information needed to untangle the complexities of the interstellar medium".[7]
The gondola and instruments carried by the balloon have an approximate mass of 2,000 kg (4,400 lb)[5] and measures about 6 m wide by 6 m height (20 ft × 20 ft). The telescope has a 90 cm (35 in) mirror,[4] which will direct light to a series of superconducting detectors contained inside a cryostat that will keep them at −269 °C (−452 °F).[5]
Balloon
Originally proposed for use on a ULDB (UltraLong Duration Balloon) Superpressure balloon, issues with qualification of the balloon, resulted in use of an alternative 39 Million cubic feet volume, zero pressure balloon. The balloon will be provided by NASA's Balloon Program Office.
The flight will make use of a weather phenomenon known as an anticyclone that occurs during the Antarctic summer. The wind vortex will take the balloon on a circular flight trajectory over Antarctica for 55 to 120 days.[6][4] Recovery might not be possible for GUSTO, as the southern winter progresses the polar vortex will weaken and the balloon will leave Antarctica and drift northward.[5]