NASA scientific ballooning represented at WOW

NASA scientific ballooning represented at Warbirds Over Wanaka

Wanaka: Visitors to next year’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow will have the chance to learn first-hand a lot more about NASA’s scientific ballooning programme.

A team from NASA is planning to be in Wanaka for the launch of a second huge scientific research balloon just four days after the airshow, which runs from March 25th to 28th 2016.

NASA is scheduled to exhibit in one of the hangars at Wanaka Airport and this facility will be open at times during the airshow for the general public to check out the gear required for the launch and to chat with NASA scientists.

“NASA was here earlier this year for the first balloon launch and there was lots of local interest in what they were up to. Having them here during Warbirds Over Wanaka will give more people the opportunity to learn about the balloon programme,” says Warbirds Over Wanaka General Manager, Ed Taylor.

“Warbirds is a great family day out and we’re always looking for new and interesting displays to entertain and inform the thousands of people who attend.”

Ed says visitors to the airshow are more than welcome to stay on for a few days to hopefully see the balloon launched. At this early planning stage, the launch is scheduled for no earlier than April 1st, 2016.

Dwayne Orr, from NASA says they enjoy any opportunity to meet with members of the public to inform them about their work. “We’ve heard lots about Warbirds Over Wanaka and are looking forward to working with their organising team and getting involved with a display and information sessions.”

ENDS

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