NASA postponed the scheduled launch of its super pressure balloon (SPB) from Wānaka Airport this morning (Wednesday May 11) due to windy weather but another launch attempt has been scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday May 12).

The NASA team stepped through its launch actions early this morning -  taking the payload out to the flight line, laying out the balloon’s protective ground cloth and delivering the balloon to the flight line early this morning - but wind at lower levels remained too high for the launch. 

In addition, a low cloud deck - the Upper Clutha’s notorious early winter cloud inversion - contributed to the decision to cancel for the day.

“While the winds and clouds didn’t deliver the specific conditions we needed for launch, the overall attempt provided good practice for the team and we’re looking forward to our next opportunity,” NASA Balloon Programme Office chief Debbie Fairbrother said.

During tomorrow’s launch attempt, the public won’t be allowed at Wānaka Airport nor will people be allowed to park alongside the airport, but immediately after lift-off the balloon will be visible for miles around.

The best viewing points will be on the hill on the Hāwea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Rd or on the Hāwea Flat side of the Clutha River.  

There’s also a live video feed the public can watch online here.