NASA Launches Stadium-Sized Super Pressure Helium Balloon

After making preparations earlier this month NASA has successfully launched a stadium-sized super pressure balloon using helium from Wānaka Airport containing an estimated 19mmcf of helium. The balloon was designed to maintain its internal pressure, keeping it at a constant density altitude regardless of the temperature changes between day and night. It carries a payload of about 2.2 tonnes featuring a Princeton University space telescope which images large galaxy clusters to map dark matter. NASA has previously launched three super pressure balloons from Wānaka, and plans to collaborate on a second launch before the end of May.

Want to read more?

Subscribe to akapenergy.com to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now