NASA will send a kiwi mascot into space when it launches its super-pressure balloon from Wānaka.

Dressed in its very own space suit, Space Kiwi will soar to the stratosphere as part of NASA’s 2023 balloon programme.

“He’s upgraded to a captain's chair and he is ready for flight like we are,” NASA balloon programme office chief Debora Fairbrother told Ignite Wānaka members at a function on Wednesday (April 12) evening.

In 2022 NASA ran a competition to name the mascot and Space Kiwi was selected.

However, Space Kiwi didn’t get a chance to fly as the programme failed to launch last year.

Debora said NASA has two payloads this year and is planning two launches from Wānaka.

“We are hopeful we can get both off,” she said. 

“We’ll need mother nature on our side.”

Technicians work on the SuperBIT payload during a hang compatibility test April 3, 2023, at NASA’s scientific balloon launch site in Wānaka. PHOTO: NASA/Bill Rodman

The NASA team is evaluating weather daily for potential launch opportunities and will announce by 2pm if the next day’s forecast weather will support a launch attempt.

Earlier: NASA plans balloon launch for Sunday

The NASA balloon programme’s job is to provide a scientific platform in the stratosphere for science. It is also used for education outreach and for technology development.

“It is basically a stable platform that moves with the winds and [is] able to support NASA science,” Debora said.

“When the super-pressure balloon is afloat and inflated it is the size of Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.”

The launch can be watched here and the balloon’s progress can be tracked here.

Debora said roads around Wānaka Airport will be closed for 10-15 minutes during a launch.