Purpose of the flight and payload description

The purpose of the flight was to test the performance of a new auto level control system developed to maintain the balloon altitude at a certain level. This system was meant to be used in long duration balloon flights.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 9/9/2002
Launch site: Sanriku Balloon Center, Iwate, Japan  
Balloon launched by: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon model B5 5000 m3
Flight identification number: B5-138
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 9/9/2002
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 14 h 15 m

The system's performance was verified in the simulated sunset conditions that were produced several times by controlling an air release valve during the flight, as well as at real sunset.

External references

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