Update: The balloon was successfully launched.

Update 10.30am: The balloon is ready for launch - no road closures are expected.

A live feed of the launch is available here.

Earlier:

NASA is preparing to launch a super pressure balloon from Wānaka Airport this morning, (Thursday, April 17).

NASA has begun flight preparations and will continue to evaluate real-time and forecast weather conditions throughout the morning. If weather is favourable for launch, lift-off is scheduled between 9am and 1pm.

This is the sixth super-pressure balloon campaign held in New Zealand since 2015 and NASA is planning two test flights this year. Two balloons were successfully launched from Wānaka during NASA’s last visit in 2023.

Public access to Wānaka Airport and roadside parking beside the airport is not permitted on the morning of the launch attempt. 

State Highway 6 Wānaka-Luggate Highway from Mt Barker to Church Road and State Highway 8A Shortcut Road will be closed for the launch. Light vehicles may detour via Camp Hill Road. Heavy vehicles will detour via Cemetery Road. A message board will be installed on State Highway 84 notifying of motorists of the closure status.

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