Nasa team arrives

A small National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) advance party, along with truckloads of helium, has arrived at Wanaka Airport for the March test launch of a rugby pitch-size scientific balloon.

Nasa's ''ultra long duration'' balloons are capable of carrying four tonnes of scientific equipment to the edge of space, at an altitude of 33,000m, and remain there for 100 days.

A team of 20 Nasa staff is expected for the launch.

For safety reasons, the airport will be shut for about two hours during the launch and people within a 3km radius will need to remain under cover.

It is expected balloon launches from Wanaka Airport will become regular, biennial events.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement