Lauren says the balloon is a massive ultra thin, ultra light balloon that will carry science and weather instruments into the atmosphere three times higher than a plane can fly. This will benefit us on Delmarva by enabling a longer observation period, provide the ability to survey sources, and is essential for night observations.

Lauren also says that 20 employees at Wallops created the balloon with a team of 75 contractors from Texas at the Colombia Scientific Balloon Facility. You may ask, “Why New Zealand?”

“New Zealand has a dense population,” Lauren says. “The infrastructure was compatible with this project and New Zealand has launchable weather conditions.”

Jimmy and Lauren Skype NASA’s Jeremy Eggers, who is the head of communications for the balloon launch project, to learn more.

If you’d like to follow this project, keep checking DelmarvaLife.com for updates from Lauren.