NMSS-07

Launch #7 for New Mexico Space Studies was anything but lucky. The original launch was planned as an activity and the 2014 Duke City Hamfest on August 9, 2014. However, a payload tether malfunction let the balloon escape before the payloads could be attached.

A do-over was planned for August 23, 2014. That launch went off as planned but Murphy was at it again and the on-board data recorder malfunctioned. On-board cameras did work however and many exciting pictures and videos were captured. Below is a link to a slow motion video of the balloon burst at just under 100,000 feet. Note that the “beep beep” sound is real. NMSS flies an audio beacon to help with recovery.

Click on any picture for a high resolution version.

NMSS-07 Burst. Click on image for a hi-res look. Go here for the video in MP4 format

A nice view that shows the dramatic change of geology on either side of the Albuquerque area mountains.

A shot from the recovery zone