2021-2022 Science Planning Summaries
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2021-2022 USAP Field Season
Project Detail

Project Title

Management and operation of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory 2021-2026


Management and operation of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory 2021-2026
A-333-S Research Location(s): South Pole Station

Summary

Event Number:
A-333-S
NSF/OPP Award 2042807

Program Director:
Dr. Vladimir Papitashvili

ASC POC/Implementer:
Paul Sullivan / Sheryl Seagraves / Leah Street


Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Francis Halzen
halzen@icecube.wisc.edu
University of Wisconsin Madison
Department of Physics
Madison, Wisconsin


Location

Supporting Stations: South Pole Station
Research Locations: South Pole Station


Description

The IceCube neutrino telescope transformed a cubic kilometer of deep ice into a Cherenkov detector of high-energy particles of the cosmic origin. The project is an international collaboration, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison serves as the host institution providing operations, oversight, and staffing for this NSF multi-user facility. IceCube's broad science program has opened a previously unexplored window on the universe, using neutrinos as cosmic messengers, and has emerged as a particle physics detector providing precision measurements in the neutrino sector. The goal of IceCube management and operational support is to ensure the reliable operation of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and enable the production of physics-quality data in a reliable and cost-effective manner.


Field Season Overview

Three participants are scheduled to deploy to South Pole Station to conduct maintenance and operational improvements to the existing IceCube infrastructure. The following is planned: (1) training and transition of winter-over personnel; (2) SPS OS / Puppet upgrade; (3) data acquisition support and DOMHub maintenance; (4) consolidation of rack space in the IceCube Laboratory (ICL); (5) retrograde of JADE archival disks; (6) drift and snow access ramp management by ASC personnel; (7) investigation and repair of an ICL wall crack; (8) extensions and maintenance of IceTop marker poles; (9) surface enhancement field hub maintenance, and; (10) deployment and testing of a mini wind turbine on the ICL roof.


Deploying Team Members

  • Ralf Auer
  • Moreno Baricevic
  • Wenceslas Marie Sainte