The third launch attempt of NASA’s hyperbaric balloon is scheduled

On Saturday, May 13 (Friday, May 12, EST) NASA is targeting a second test flight of its hyperbaric balloon (SPB) from Wanaka Airport for further testing and qualification of the technology, which can save costs compared to space missions.

the The first super decompression balloon launch The SuperBIT (SuperBIT) Balloon Imaging Telescope continues to be carried Brilliant performance It remained afloat for more than 25 days. SuperBIT is currently on its fourth circumnavigation of the Southern Hemisphere.

This second scheduled flight will carry the science mission for the Extreme Universe 2 (EUSO-2) space observatory. EUSO-2, from the University of Chicago, aims to build on data collected during the 2017 mission. The mission will detect high-energy cosmic ray particles from outside our galaxy as they penetrate Earth’s atmosphere. The origins of these particles are not well known, so the data collected from EUSO-2 will help solve this scientific puzzle.

NASA will begin flight preparations in the early hours of Saturday morning in New Zealand and continue evaluation weather conditions in real time all morning. If the weather is favorable to launchscheduled to take off between 8 and 11:30 a.m. local (between 4 and 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday, May 12).

For subsequent launch attempts, if necessary, NASA will announce by 2pm NZT (10pm EST) if the forecast weather for the next day is supportive. launch attempt.

For those in the local area, the public will not be permitted to be present or stand by Wanaka Airport on the morning of launch for flight safety reasons. However, immediately after takeoff, the balloon will be visible for miles around – the best viewing points will be on the hill on the Hawea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Road or on the flat Hawea side of the Clutha River.

The release can be tracked in the following ways:

Continuous mission updates are also available on NASA Super pressure balloon blog.