NASA postponed the scheduled launch of its super pressure balloon (SPB) from Wānaka Airport this morning (Friday May 13) because of crosswinds.

“One lesson well understood in the balloon community is that Mother Nature is in charge,” NASA balloon programme Office chief Debbie Fairbrother said. 

“And with that lesson, we’ve all become very good at practicing patience.”

Today’s ground and lower-level winds were “over limits and not aligned”, NASA said, which can create a shearing effect (where the wind causes the balloon to change direction) during launch operations.

Wind conditions at the surface level need to be light to facilitate work on the payload in the early morning, as well as the launch itself. In addition, low-level winds up to 300 metres need to be light. The winds at both the surface and in the lower level also need to be aligned in the same direction to support launch.

NASA has no planned launch attempts over the weekend due to forecasted weather conditions. 

PHOTO: NASA/Bill Rodman