Title: SAMPLE -- Stratospheric Altitude Microbiology Probe for Life Existence -- A Method of Collection of Stratospheric Samples Using Balloon-Borne Payload System Show Chinese title

Title: 样品 -- 大气层高度微生物探测器用于生命存在 -- 使用气球载荷系统的大气层样品采集方法

Abstract: The Earth possesses many environmental extremes that mimic conditions on extraterrestrial worlds. The stratosphere at 30-40 km altitude closely resembles the surface of Mars in terms of pressure, temperature, and radiation levels (UV, proton, and Galactic cosmic rays). While microbial life in the troposphere is well documented, the true upper limit of Earth's biosphere remains unclear. The stratosphere offers a promising environment to explore microbial survival in such extreme conditions. Despite its significance to astrobiology, this region remains largely unexplored due to difficulties in access and avoiding contamination. To address this, we have developed SAMPLE (Stratospheric Altitude Microbiology Probe for Life Existence), a balloon-borne payload designed to collect dust samples from the stratosphere and return them in conditions suitable for lab analysis. The entire system is novel and designed in-house, with weight- and stress-optimized components. The main payload includes three pre-sterilized sampling trays and a controller that determines altitude and governs tray operation. One tray will remain closed during flight (airborne control) and another on the ground (cleanroom control) to monitor contamination. Additional systems include environmental sensors, GPS trackers, cameras, and a Flight Termination Unit (FTU) to end the mission once sampling is complete. A parachute ensures the safe recovery of the payload. Upon retrieving the payload, the sampling trays (including controls) will be sent to a suitable laboratory where the samples will be examined for the presence and nature of collected material. Show Chinese abstract

Abstract: 地球拥有许多环境极端条件，这些条件模拟了地外世界的状况。 在30-40公里高度的平流层，其压力、温度和辐射水平（紫外线、质子和银河宇宙射线）与火星表面非常相似。 虽然对流层中的微生物生命已有详细记录，但地球生物圈的真实上限仍不清楚。 平流层为探索在这种极端条件下微生物的生存提供了有希望的环境。 尽管这对天体生物学具有重要意义，但由于进入困难和避免污染的问题，这一区域仍然 largely 未被探索。 为了解决这个问题，我们开发了SAMPLE（平流层高度微生物探测器，用于探测生命存在），这是一种系留气球载荷，旨在从平流层收集灰尘样本，并以适合实验室分析的条件将其带回。 整个系统是新颖的，并且是内部设计的，组件经过重量和应力优化。 主载荷包括三个预先灭菌的采样托盘和一个控制器，该控制器确定高度并控制托盘操作。 一个托盘将在飞行期间保持关闭（空中对照），另一个在地面（洁净室对照），以监测污染。 其他系统包括环境传感器、GPS跟踪器、摄像头和一个飞行终止单元（FTU），一旦采样完成，该单元将结束任务。 降落伞确保载荷的安全回收。 在回收载荷后，采样托盘（包括对照）将被送往合适的实验室，在那里将检查样本中收集物质的存在和性质。