Purpose of the flight and payload description

The NAUSICAA gondola consisted of a series of experiments in the domain of biology and atmospheric science, as follows:

- Paramecios. Biological research groups. Effects of cosmic radiation on paramecia cultures.
- Granos. Biological research groups. Somatic and genetic effects of cosmic radiation on sand grains and tobacco plants.
- Artemia. Biological research groups. Biological effects of cosmic radiation on the egg of Artemia Salina (brine shrimp).
- Vision. Biological research groups. Effects of cosmic radiation on the visual and vestibular systems of frogs.
- EOLO. Experiment by INTA-Conie. Ozone content in the high atmosphere, using blind witnesses of changes in coloration.

Details of the balloon flight

Balloon launched on: 7/25/1980
Launch site: Base di Lancio Luigi Broglio, Trapani, Sicily, Italy  
Balloon launched by: Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI) / Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon 350.000 m3
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 7/25/1980
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 19 h 20 m
Landing site: In Huelva, Spain
Campaign: ODISSEA 80  
Payload weight: 850 kgs

Transmediterranean flight

External references

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