Sunday, December 28, 2008

Last one down...

We finally launched the final balloon. The weather ended up being pretty good for the launch. The winds ended up being calm at the launch time and the temperature today actually made it up to a balmy 42 degrees. Now I can come home, and hopefully I can get a flight out of Antarctica on December 30. If that flight is full, then the next available option would be January 2. Either one of those flights would put me back in the States after New Year's unfortunately, but at least I am coming home soon. Below are a couple of pictures of today's launch of the ULDB balloon. This balloon is a little different than the other, so there is a second balloon called a tow balloon that is inflated to help support the weight of the hardware attached to the main balloon during inflation. The tow balloon is released prior to launch. I will keep everyone posted on my travel arrangements as soon as I know.
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5 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 28, 2008 at 5:25 PM

    YES YES YES. I just thought that I would check one more time before I went to bed, it is now 11:15PM. I am so happy. You will be home soon. Good thing that you were not here, we have been having 25-35 mile per hr. winds all day and a front is right now moving into Louisville that has been causing bad weather all day further west. The winds will soon be up to 50 MPH with thunderstorms. Anyway I am so glad for you, me, and everyone who is waiting to have you back home. PS I got a Christmas card from Elaine and Gary today with a nice note. Your Thanksgiving dinner is waiting. I LOVE YOU MOM

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  2. AnonymousDecember 29, 2008 at 4:40 AM

    A job well done, looks like it is warmer there than it is here today. See you when you get home. Love Dad

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  3. AnonymousDecember 30, 2008 at 2:47 AM

    I'm so glad you will be home soon, Chris. And I definitely know your wife will be so excited and happy to see you! We love you and be safe coming home. Kim

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    well we thought this was it but....... oh well. Glad you are coming home soon.
    love you, cassandra

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 3, 2009 at 12:00 PM

    Hurrah! What an experience! We've enjoyed the show! Julie and Jerry

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