Winds thwart Nasa's super pressure balloon launch in Wanaka

A crane takes the payload out to the site this morning. Photo / Aspen Bruce

Nasa's planned super pressure balloon launch from Wanaka Airport has been cancelled for today.

Balloon programme office chief Deborah Fairbrother said the launch, which had been scheduled for 10 am, was cancelled due to winds.

"Unfortunately the wind was higher than 6 knots and coming in from a cross direction."

The call to cancel was made at 9am. A meeting will be held around midday to assess the situation for a launch for tomorrow.

If the launch does go ahead tomorrow, locals have been encouraged to not visit the airport for the launch.

Optimal locations for safe viewing can be found on Wanaka Airport's social media channels.

In order to launch safely, the maximum wind speed needs to be below 5 knots.

Earlier, a weather window opened above Wanaka, which gave hope the launch would go ahead.

The United States space agency has spent several weeks preparing to send a 2.3-tonne stadium-sized balloon on a long-duration test flight around the southern hemisphere.

Fairbrother said the team of 25 staff and contractors had done an amazing job to overcome some ''massive logistical challenges'' to get ready for launch.

Nasa will attempt its first super pressure balloon launch of this year from Wanaka Airport at 10 am today. Photo / Nasa Wallops, Bill Rodman

Nasa first began launching super pressure balloons from Wanaka in 2015. This would be the fourth launch.

The programme was temporarily halted due to funding and Covid-19 issues.

Fairbrother said light, reliable winds were needed at both the surface and low levels up to about 300m.

Winds flowing in opposite directions on the ground and lower levels could have a shearing effect on the balloon.

Favourable stratospheric wind conditions were also needed at 33.5km above the ground, where the balloon would float.

If more launch attempts were needed, they would be announced by 2pm the day before, depending on weather forecasts.

- additional reporting Aspen Bruce