HEXE (High Energy X-Ray Experiment)

Developed by Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik

Balloon launched on 5/9/1980, from Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

First flight.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 5/9/1980 at 16:07 utc
Launch site: Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Palestine, Texas, US  
Balloon launched by: National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Winzen - 981.551 m3 (17.78 microns) - SF 445.72-070-NSCR-02
Balloon serial number: W34.31-3-03
Flight identification number: 1197P
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 5/10/1980 at 17:12 utc
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 46 h
Landing site: 17 miles E of Seminole, Texas, US
 Payload weight: 2089 kgs

External references

Images of the mission

The HEXE instrument during preparations at Palestine base in Texas. (Image: © H. Steinle, MPE) The HEXE instrument being transported to the launch pad (Image: © H. Steinle, MPE) Balloon inflation (Image: © H. Steinle, MPE) The balloon ascending (Image: © H. Steinle, MPE) Rough landing. As the parachute did not separate after touch down due to strong winds, the gondola was torn for some miles through the Texan desert (Image: © H. Steinle, MPE)

If you consider this website interesting or useful, you can help me to keep it up and running with a small donation to cover the operational costs. Just the equivalent of the price of a cup of coffee helps a lot.



1645