(Updated: Launched) NASA's second super pressure balloon set to soar on May 13

NASA is gearing up for a second super pressure balloon (SPB) test flight scheduled for Saturday, May 13 (Friday, May 12 in U.S. EDT) from Wānaka Airport in New Zealand. This will be the third launch attempt for the flight that aims to further evaluate and qualify the technology that promises cost savings compared to space missions.

If the weather remains favourable, the launch window is set between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. locally (4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. U.S. EDT on Friday, May 12). In case of any necessary subsequent launch attempts, NASA said that it will make an announcement by 2 p.m. NZST (10 p.m. EDT) the day prior, indicating whether the forecasted weather conditions will support the launch.

The upcoming flight will carry the Extreme Universe Space Observatory 2 (EUSO-2) science mission, developed by the University of Chicago. EUSO-2 aims to build upon data gathered during a previous mission in 2017. Its primary objective is to detect ultra-high energy cosmic-ray particles originating from beyond our galaxy as they penetrate Earth's atmosphere. By collecting this data, EUSO-2 will help unravel the mystery surrounding the origins of these particles.

Third time's a charm?The next launch opportunity for NASA’s second super pressure balloon carrying the EUSO-2 scientific payload is scheduled to launch from New Zealand Saturday, May 13, between 8-11:30 a.m. NZST (Friday, May 12, between 4-7:30 p.m. ET). https://t.co/HR8ztPyRmI pic.twitter.com/99CL0WNrf3

— NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) May 11, 2023

NASA's first super pressure balloon carrying the Super Pressure Balloon Imaging Telescope (SuperBIT) has been a remarkable success, with over 25 days of uninterrupted flight.

SuperBIT became the first NASA super pressure balloon to complete two revolutions around the southern hemisphere in just 18 days. The balloon-based telescope is currently making its fourth journey around the southern hemisphere.

Update 

NASA's second super pressure balloon carrying EUSO-2 lifted off from Wānaka at 12:02 p.m. NZST (May 12, 8:02 p.m EDT).