NASA super-pressure balloon has been launched in Wanaka

A NASA super-pressure balloon has successfully been launched at Wanaka Airport around 1.15 am. It will continue to inflate and increase in size while rising 33 kilometers above Earth.

The launch of the balloon and its payload with GPS and camera equipment was a “dream scenario” according to mission boss Debbie Fairbrother, who has been working with the Columbia Science Balloon Facility for 15 years.

Even though “Wanaka’s weather had proved complicated”, NASA campaign manager Dwayne Orr was happy about the successful launch. The balloon now is tracking the east coast of the South Island and is moving about 1000ft (300m) per minute.

The goal is a 100-day flight as scientists are looking for a long duration. If successful, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) would return to Wanaka next year.

Article Source: Uncover California, Andrea Cordell, March 27, 2015.

Image Source: Commons.wikimedia.org