Observing stratospheric ozone layer is expensive, so... 1991

 In order to check the depletion of the ozone layer caused by chlorofluorocarbons, there is an urgent need to develop a meteorological observation database on an international scale. However, stratospheric ozone observations are expensive.

　Currently, rockets are mainly used to observe the ozone layer at an altitude of 50 to 60 kilometers, but this costs about 500,000 yen per launch. This costs about 500,000 yen per launch. The ISAMS satellite, developed by British Aerospace in collaboration with the University of Oxford, aims to measure the size and extent of ozone layer depletion in geostationary orbit in the stratosphere using a very precise electromagnetic spectrometer. The initial cost of the project alone is 4.3 million pounds.

　In this context, the weather forecasting and observation company, THE WEATHER BALLOON MFG. CO., LTD, is (was) working on the development of an inexpensive and stable balloon to monitor ozone at altitudes of 35 to 50 kilometers. The cost of launching these balloons is about 30,000 yen per launch. The balloons can also be used for long-term forecasting of weather and climate, as they provide high-altitude meteorological data.