Nasa balloon launch delayed again

Lift-off is scheduled for between 8.30am and 11am today. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery

Nasa to launch stadium-size test balloon from Wanaka.

The launch of the Nasa high-pressure balloon from Wanaka Airport will not take place today.

The launch team was set for a scheduled launch today but weather has once again thwarted the attempt, Radio New Zealand reports.

Nasa balloon programme office chief Debbie Fairbrother said yesterday her launch team was ''focused and ready to move forward'' after an eight-day delay because of unsettled upper-atmospheric and surface weather in the wake of Cyclone Pam.

Lift-off had been scheduled for between 8.30am and 11am today, but Radio NZ reports that wind conditions have ruled out an attempt today.

It was thought another attempt would be made later this week.

When launched, the balloon is expected to rise to an altitude of 33.5km, where it will remain for up to 100 days.

The pumpkin-shaped balloon made from nine hectares of material, and as large as a football stadium when fully inflated, is expected to circumnavigate the globe once every one to three weeks, depending on wind speeds in the stratosphere.

Ms Fairbrother said the balloon could be visible from New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, and South Africa, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

The balloon is a test of Wanaka's suitability for future flights. It could become a base for the regular launch of balloons carrying more than 3.5 tonnes of scientific equipment.

Track the balloon here.