LDB SUBSYSTEMS TEST

The aim of the flight was to conduct certification for multiple new components that will be used on future LDB (long duration balloon) flights.

There is no detailed information of what kind of systems were tested but the post flight report stated that the flight operations and the LDB tests conducted were successful.

Balloon launched on: 8/11/2004 at 12:15 utc
Launch site: Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas, US  
Balloon launched by: National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Raven - 4.000.000 cuft (0,8 mil) - SF3-4.001-.8/.8-NA
Balloon serial number: R4.00-1-23
Flight identification number: 1590PT
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 8/11/2004 at 21:13 utc
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 9 h 52 m
Landing site: 5 miles SE of Gail, Texas, US
Payload weight: 530 lbs
Overall weight: 1608 lbs

The balloon was launched at 7:15 a.m. local time on August 11th, 2004 by dynamic method assisted by a crane as launch vehicle.

Following a nominal ascent phase, the balloon achieved float altitude of 108.000 feet at 9:12 local time, heading to the west as can be seen in the map at left (click to enlarge).

After near 10 hours of flight the payload separation command was transmited at 16:13 local time. The landing of the payload occured 55 minutes later near Abilene, Texas.

• Inside Wallops Volume XX-04 Nº 28