Wanaka, New Zealand is located about -44.72 degrees south latitude and 169.24 degrees west longitude. Launch operations are currently conducted between February 15 (flight ready by April 1) and April 30 of each year. Flight trajectory is to the east and allowed to circumnavigate the globe on ultra-long duration balloons (Super Pressure Balloons). Float altitudes of 110,000 feet can be expected.
Pre-deployment integration in Palestine will normally be concluded by the first of December (during November). An MRR will be conducted in Palestine following integration and compatibility testing to assess readiness prior to shipping equipment to Wanaka. It should be understood that all equipment is shipped directly from the CSBF to Wanaka following pre-deployment integration.
Report back for the latest update from NASA's Balloon Program Office.