Despite perfect, calm weather at ground level, Nasa has again delayed the launch of its super pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport.
An email attributed to the Nasa team's balloon programme office chief Debbie Fairbrother yesterday said the delay was due to ‘‘forecast winds making weather conditions unacceptable for launch''.
‘‘Opposing wind directions at ground level and up to 250 metres will create unstable conditions for a launch attempt,'' she said.
Just before launching, the balloon is 250m tall, and Ms Fairbrother said winds needed to be aligned in a similar direction at that point.
‘‘Even though the weather on the ground is beautiful and perhaps perfect for someone vacationing or otherwise enjoying a pleasant day, our balloon is dependent upon weather conditions from the ground level up to the near-space environment,'' Ms Fairbrother said.
The initial target date for the launch was April 1.
Tomorrow remains a possibility for the launch, Ms Fairbrother said.
It is expected the balloon, which carries scientific equipment, will rise to an altitude of 33.5km and remain there for up to 100 days.
