The High altitude Interferometer Wind observation (HIWIND) payload from the High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, was launched June 24 on a NASA scientific balloon from Esrange, Sweden.
The High altitude Interferometer Wind observation (HIWIND) payload from the High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, was launched June 24, 2018, on a NASA scientific balloon from Esrange, Sweden. HIWIND is measuring thermospheric winds. Knowing more about these winds will allow scientists to predict the ionosphere changes, which can have a great impact on communication and navigation systems. The helium-filled balloon is carrying the 2,200-pound HIWIND payload at a float altitude of approximately 130,000 feet. The balloon and payload are expected to land in Canada. Follow the flight at https://www.csbf.nasa.gov/map/balloon8/flight683n.htm
Credit: NASA