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Please
click on each image to see a larger view!
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January
4
Launch
Day
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The
bottom payload is loaded onto the specialized delta
while members of our lab look on.
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| Last
minute tests are run and people try to spend the dead
time talking about how to react to different types
of emergency situations. Not exactly what I'd call
a relaxed atmosphere. |
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solar panels that recharge the batteries are carried
out and mounted on the bottom payload. |
The
cloudy launch pad. |
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bottom payload is brought out to the pad. |
The
top payload being transported. |
The
suspended bottom gondola. |
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This
sequence of pictures shows the top payload being lifted
so that the tow balloon can be laid out. |
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Here
the main balloon is being laid out.
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| Bundled
for our long wait outside. Sunblock was a must. |
The
start of inflation for the tow balloon. |
All
we can do now is watch the NSBF crew do their work. |
And
take pictures. |
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Filling,
filling...
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Waiting,
waiting...
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Finally
the tow balloon has enough helium to lift the top
package. The stuff hanging from the telescope is the
uninflated main balloon. |
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More
filling.
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Gwynne
and balloons.
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| Wow,
this is some of the first smiling I've seen in a few
days! |
Nearing
full inflation.
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The
tow balloon is released using explosives, safely carrying
away the telescope cover. |
TopHat
is now ready to be released.
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But
wait! We have to let a plane land first.
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First
the top package and balloon are released. |
And
then the bottom package. |
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And
away it goes. It took about 3 hours for the balloon
to reach flight altitude. Hooray!
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