TANDEM BALLOON TEST FOR STRATOSCOPE II

Developed by National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) / NASA

Balloon launched on 5/14/1971, from Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

Engineering evaluation of a heavy load tandem system utilizing a scrim top balloon and a polyethylene main balloon

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 5/14/1971 at 9:56 cdt
Launch site: Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas, US  
Balloon launched by: National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Top: Schjeldhal - 250.000 cuft - Main: Winzen - 6.870.000 cuft (1.80 mil. 2 Caps. 1.80 Mil.)
Balloon serial number: Main Balloon Serial Nº 1
Flight identification number: 612PT
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 5/14/1971
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): F 2 h 50 m
Landing site: In Corsicana, Texas, US
 Payload weight: 5.379 lbs

This was a training flight in advance of the 8th scientific mission of the Stratoscope II telescope to be performed en September from the Redstone Arsenal Airfield in Huntsville, Alabama. The test duplicated all essential features of the scientific flight and was extremely valuable in preparing the crew and equipment for the program. The balloon was allowed to fly longer than originally planned due to inability to valve down and to achieve a more desirable impact area.

External references

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