Balloon-Telescope Launched
Posted on: Thursday, 16 June 2005, 12:00 CDT
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- NASA launched a scientific helium balloon from northern Sweden on Sunday with a telescope for studies of star formation, a spokesman for the Esrange launch pad said.
The launch is the first in a series of giant balloons which NASA has organized to transport bulky payloads -- such as astronomical telescopes -- used in astrophysical experiments and research on cosmic radiation.
The westward flight from Esrange to Alaska will test NASA's new long-lasting balloon vehicle and carries a 5,940-pound telescope at an altitude of 25 miles for six to nine days.
The balloon is 396 feet high and 462 feet in diameter. It is made of advanced materials and uses a pumpkin-shaped design to achieve flights up to 100 days. It holds up to 1.3 million cubic yards of helium.
Flights are being conducted by NASA and the National Balloon Facility, in Palestine, Texas.
Source: Tulsa World
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