ULTRATHIN FILM BALLOON TEST

The objective of the flight was to test a new balloon manufactured with a polyethylene film measuring only 2.8 microns, that in theory would allow to reach the highest altitudes ever.

Balloon launched on: 9/14/2011 at 1:12 jst
Launch site: Multipurpose Aviation Research Field, Taiki-Cho, Hokkaido, Japan  
Balloon launched by: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) / Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Ultrathin film - 2.8µm
Flight identification number: BS11-06
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 9/14/2011
Landing site: Lost over the Pacific Ocean 300 km from launch site

The balloon was launched from the Taiki Aerospace Research Field, in the Hokkaido island, on September 14, 2011. Ascent went nominal until the moment when the balloon reached 14.7 km altitude. The craft leveled there and then started a slowly but steady descent. As the balloon could deviate from the planed dropzone, decision was taken to terminate the mission, but after sending the end of flight command, during the descent the balloon was taken by the Jet Stream over the Pacific Ocean. Althought the balloon was lost, the impact point with the sea surface was estimated to be located 330 km ESE from the launch base.

No information was given on the reason of the failure.

• Details of the mission (in Japanese) ISAS website