Nasa aims to launch balloon today
A WEATHER window has opened above Wanaka, allowing Nasa to attempt to launch its super pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport today.
The United States space agency has spent several weeks preparing to send a 2.3tonne stadiumsized balloon on a longduration test flight around the southern hemisphere.
The planned launch time is 10am. There will be a brief road closure at the airport to allow the balloon and its gondola to safely get off the ground.
Balloon programme office chief Debbie Fairbrother said the team of 25 staff and contractors had done an amazing job to overcome some ‘‘massive logistical challenges’’ to get ready for launch.
Nasa first began launching super pressure balloons from Wanaka in 2015. This would be the fourth launch.
The programme was temporarily halted due to funding and Covid19 issues.
Ms Fairbrother said light, reliable winds were needed at both the surface low levels up to about 300m.
Winds flowing in opposite directions on the ground and lower levels could have a shearing effect on the balloon. Favourable stratospheric wind conditions were also needed at 33.5km above the ground, where the balloon would float.
If more launch attempts were needed, they would be announced by 2pm the day before, depending on weather forecasts.
The balloon can be tracked in real time on the website for Nasa’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.
The primary goal of the flight was to validate and certify the balloon technology and, in particular, the balloon’s capability to pressurise at high altitudes and cope with heating and cooling during the daynight cycle, Ms Fairbrother said.
Meanwhile, the Wanaka branch of the Royal Society is hosting a public lecture on the scientific balloon programme at the Wanaka Presbyterian Church hall at 6pm on Friday.