NASA's massive heavy-lift balloon has finally taken off in southern New Zealand.
After several weather delays this month, the 4000kg "super pressure" balloon was launched in clear skies shortly after 10.10am on Friday.
The launch is a test run to assess the viability of using such balloons in its research program after 15 years of development, and of the suitability of the town of Wanaka as a permanent launch site.
The launch was broadcast online on a live stream, though the balloon disappeared from the fixed camera shot very quickly.
There were also some shots afterwards from a camera on the balloon as it glided over the Queenstown Lakes and the Remarkables in the country's South Island.
The balloon will ascend to 33.5km above the earth's surface and NASA hopes it will stay at that altitude for 100 days - breaking the previous record of 54 days.
If Wanaka is confirmed as a launch site, future balloons will carry equipment to investigate the origins of the universe, assess the effects of cosmic rays on the atmosphere and continue the hunt for undiscovered planets, the council's website says.
The balloon is 90m in diameter, and when cruising is similar in size to Dunedin's indoor rugby stadium.
For safety reasons, State Highway 84 was closed around launch time and the residents of 12 houses near the airport were asked to remain indoors for 30 minutes until it was out of range.
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