NASA is preparing for a major high-altitude balloon launch from Wānaka Airport tomorrow, Wednesday 9 April, as part of its 2025 Super Pressure Balloon Campaign.
If successful, the launch will mark the first of two planned scientific balloon missions from the Central Otago location this year. It will also be the sixth time NASA has operated a super pressure balloon campaign from New Zealand since 2015.
Two balloons were launched from Wānaka during NASA’s last campaign in 2023.
Flight preparations are set to begin early in the morning, with the launch scheduled to take place between 9.00am and 1.00pm—depending on weather conditions, which will be monitored in real time.
Public access to Wānaka Airport will be restricted during the launch attempt, and roadside parking near the airport will not be permitted.
State Highway 6 from Mt Barker to Church Road, and SH8A Shortcut Road, will be closed for the duration of the launch. Light vehicles will be detoured via Camp Hill Road, while heavy vehicles must use Cemetery Road. A message board on SH84 will display up-to-date closure information.
For those keen to catch a glimpse of the launch, the balloon should be visible for several kilometres. Good vantage points include the hill on the Hāwea side of the Red Bridge by Kane Road and the Hāwea Flat side of the Clutha River.
A live feed of the launch will available here.
