Abstract
The PAMELA space experiment will be launched on-board of a Russian Resurs DK1 satellite towards the end of 2005. The main scientific goal is the study of the antimatter component of the cosmic radiation. Three years of data taking will provide unprecedented statistics for antiprotons (80 MeV–190 GeV) and positrons (50 MeV–270 GeV) and will set the upper limit for the ratio He ¯ / He below 10 −8. PAMELA is built around a permanent magnet silicon spectrometer, surrounded by a plastic scintillator anticoincidence shield. An electromagnetic calorimeter is used for particle identification and energy measurements. If PAMELA data exceed the storage allowance on the satellite or the daily downlink quota (20 GB), a second level trigger may be activated by uplink from ground. Information from the anticoincidence system and from the calorimeter will be included in the second level trigger condition, providing a selective reduction of data. The second level trigger condition provides a reduction of data of ∼60%, with a maximum systematic uncertainty in the proton (electron) spectra of 10% (3%). This uncertainty will be assessed during flight measuring one event every 10 without the second level trigger condition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
