Update: NASA has cancelled its launch attempt on Friday May 2.

Earlier:

NASA has scheduled an attempt at a super pressure balloon (SPB) test flight tomorrow morning (Wednesday May 2) from Wānaka Airport.

NASA successfully launched its first balloon on April 17.

Tomorrow will mark the first scheduled launch attempt for the second - and final - balloon of the NASA SPB campaign 2025. 

NASA will begin flight preparations in the early-morning hours and will continue to evaluate real-time and forecast weather conditions throughout the morning, a statement from Wānaka Airport said. 

If weather is favourable for a launch, lift-off is scheduled between 9am and 1pm.

Immediately after lift-off, the balloon will be visible for kilometres around, and 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.

Members of the public will not be able to access Wānaka Airport or park beside the airport to view the launch.

State Highway 6 Wānaka-Luggate Highway from Mt Barker to Church Road and State Highway 8A Shortcut Road may be closed for the launch, Wānaka Airport said. 

NASA’s return to Wānaka this year marks the sixth SPB campaign held at Wānaka Airport since the agency began balloon operations there in 2015. 

Watch a live feed of the NASA Balloons.

PHOTO: NASA