Purpose of the flight and payload description

The objective of the flight were to demonstrate deployment of the probe parachute, separation of entry heat shield, parachute separation and descent characteristics of the planned 1978 Pioneer Venus atmospheric probe mission.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 12/16/1976 at 7:33 mst
Launch site: Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, US  
Balloon launched by: Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon  
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 12/16/1976
Landing site: Dropped over White Sands, New Mexico

Unsuccesful test

Postal cover issued on launch day commemorating the flight

External references

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