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The
weather was cooperating, so at the appointed time,
the NSBF staff starts tow balloon inflation. As
the balloon inflates, the pink protective wrapper
is removed from the remaining material.
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Near
the end of tow balloon inflation, the payload
is almost neutrally buoyant and is held down by
the NSBF staff.
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The
tow balloon is filled with Helium until it has enough
lift for the payload and main balloon material.
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This
is a detailed view of the top part of the main balloon.
At this point, the package and the main balloon
are being held up by the tow balloon which is above
the image.
The "mushroom cap" at the top of the main
balloon is some extra thick plastic material designed
to protect the fabric of the balloon from abrasive
damage from the payload. The main balloon fabric
is very fragile, resembling a transparent and very
thin garbage bag.
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After
the top payload and balloon material is in position,
the main balloon inflation begins.
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After
main balloon inflation is complete, the top payload
is balanced on top of the main balloon, as well
as being held up by the tow balloon.
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After
the main balloon is inflated, all that remains is
to wait for the wind to be very calm.
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| When
we are ready to launch, we cut away the tow balloon
by firing a pyrotechnic device, and then... |
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| Release
the spool! (7:50 am). |
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