Balloon

Orbital ATK has launched the first scientific balloon flight from Wanaka Airport in New Zealand under Nasa’s balloon programme.

The company secured a contract in November last year from the Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center’s Wallops Flight Facility, to launch the super pressure balloon (SPB).

The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (CSBF) in Palestine, Texas, manages the programme.

Orbital ATK’s team of mission specialists have overseen the programme management, mission planning, engineering services and field operations.

The pumpkin-shaped SPB with a suspended 2.5t payload, comprising tracking and communication instruments, will be evaluated at altitudes of 110,000ft for around 100 days, with an aim to go beyond the current record of 54 days in flight.

"Made from 22 acres of polyethylene film, the balloons are filled with helium and equipped to carry tonnes of payload."

Made from 22 acres of polyethylene film, the balloons are filled with helium and equipped to carry tonnes of payloads.

Orbital ATK space systems group technical services division general manager John Pullen said: "The successful launch demonstrated the value of an experienced and dedicated team that will help maintain Wallops Flight Facility’s position as the world leader in scientific ballooning operations.

"The Nasa / Orbital ATK team worked together seamlessly to provide the right combination of scientific ballooning and technical expertise."

Nasa scientific balloon programme is designed to provide key scientific data related to as X-ray, ultra-violet, optical and infrared astronomy, as well as assess in creating new technologies and trigger new discoveries.

The technology could transform near-space access facilitating long-duration research at a stable altitude.

Image: A Nasa super pressure balloon during launch from Wanaka, New Zealand. Photo: courtesy of Nasa.