Nasa balloon programme office chief Debbie Fairbrother said the plan was to test the balloon and a gondola full of equipment this week. Because Wanaka’s weather does not look promising, the first launch attempt would be delayed until next week. For two years, Nasa staff have been patiently waiting to get back to New Zealand to begin more balloon test flights. The first launch attempt would be next week "at the earliest", with the goal of finishing the project and leaving New Zealand by May 30. Nasa has also taken over a lease for an airport hangar and will shift into there to prepare for next year’s launch.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 02, 2022 22:32 UTC