Hopes for balloon launch tomorrow

Nasa is hoping to launch its super pressure balloon at the Wanaka Airport tomorrow morning after today's attempt was cancelled because of swirling winds 33km above the ground.

While ground and lower-level winds were conducive for launch this morning, winds in the stratosphere were not.

Lift-off is scheduled for between 8am and 11.30am tomorrow, but is dependent on the weather conditions.

Plans are for the 532,000cum balloon to climb to an altitude of 33.5km on what could be a 100-day journey.

Nasa estimates it will circle the southern hemisphere’s mid-latitudes once every one to three weeks, depending on wind speeds.

The launch is expected to have minimal impact on scheduled aircraft operations in the Lakes area.

More information on the launch is available on the Wanaka Airport's Facebook page.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement