NASA will try to launch a super pressure balloon from Wānaka Airport tomorrow (Sunday April 16).

NASA is planning two balloon missions from Wānaka this year and this is the first launch attempt of the 2023 campaign.

Flight preparations will begin early in the morning and, weather permitting, the balloon will lift off between 8am and 11.30am.

The public won’t be allowed at Wānaka Airport on the morning of the launch attempt or to park alongside the airport. 

However, immediately after lift-off, the balloon will be visible for far around – the best viewing points will be on the hill on the Hāwea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Road or on the Hāwea Flat side of the Clutha River.

 In addition, the launch can be tracked in the following ways: 

A live feed of the launch is available here.

You can track the progress of the flight here which includes a map showing the balloon’s real-time location.