EARTHWINDS (Dzhanibehov - Moses - Newman)

Developed by -

Balloon launched on 1/12/1993, from Reno Stead Airfield, Nevada, US

Purpose of the flight and payload description

The EARTHWINDS project were a series of balloon missions performed along the 90's decade trying to achieve a world circumnavigation using the jet stream winds by aeronaut Larry Newman.

The balloon system used in the project was based in the Sky Anchor concept originally developed at Texas A&M University in middle 70's for the balloon program of the NASA which was researching a long duration flight system.

The system consisted of two balloons, an upper lifting balloon about 200 feet high filled with 1.1 million cubic feet of helium, and a 100-foot-diameter anchor balloon filled with compressed air suspended beneath the pressurized crew capsule. By pumping additional air into the anchor balloon the crew made it heavier, preventing the balloon from rising high enough to necessitate the release of helium. By releasing air from the anchor the balloon was lightened. This feature allowed the balloon to avoid the need of using conventional sand ballast, which would be exhausted after a few days.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 1/12/1993
Launch site: Reno Stead Airfield, Nevada, US  
Balloon launched by:  
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon Anchor Balloon - 31 150 m3 He / 15 575 m3 air.
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 1/12/1993
Landing site: Failed after 12 miles when the ballast balloon was torn on a mountain peak.

This was the second attempt to launch the mission and the first to get airborne. However, within 30 minutes of launched the balloon hits a mountain top and the ballast balloon is damaged.

External references

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