1st Launch Attempt Cancelled

We had to cancel the launch today.  Surface winds were too strong (5-7 knots).  It's unfortunate, but we don't want to risk damaging the balloon as we inflate it.  Better safe than sorry.

We did, though, get to put our payload fully together, and we're going to leave it all "buttoned up," as we say, so that we're ready for the launch when we get our next chance.  We were able to verify that our payload worked fine, too, which is always good news!

Our "buttoned up" payload in front of Mount Erebus.

C'est moi!

A bunch of CSBF guys during inflation of the pilot balloon.
The "pi ball" is used to measure wind speeds near the earth's surface.
It is tethered by a string to the ground, and it tells the direction
and general speed of the wind.

We'll try again tomorrow!

Brett
2010-12-13 2:38pm (NZDT)