• NASA launched two super pressure balloons from Wānaka, New Zealand in 2025 as part of its super pressure balloon program.
• The first balloon flight was terminated after 17 days due to a leak, but it still achieved its minimum science requirements with the HIWIND mission.
• The second balloon flight aims to extend mission duration and collect data on light and sound waves in the Earth's atmosphere.

NASA has been conducting super pressure balloon flights from Wānaka, New Zealand, as part of its ongoing research and testing program. The balloons, which are the size of football stadiums when fully inflated, are designed to float at high altitudes (around 108,000 feet or 33 kilometers) and carry scientific payloads for extended periods. These missions are crucial for collecting data on the Earth's atmosphere and testing the reliability of super pressure balloon technology for future long-duration science missions. The first flight in this campaign had to be terminated prematurely, while the second is currently underway.

• What: NASA conducted super pressure balloon flights from Wānaka, New Zealand to test balloon technology and conduct atmospheric research.
• Who: NASA, High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Gabriel Garde, Olivia F. Littleton
• When: April-May 2025. First launch in mid-April, terminated May 4, 2025. Second launch May 3, 2025.
• Where: Wānaka Airport, New Zealand; Southern Hemisphere; Pacific Ocean (termination location)

NASA's super pressure balloon campaign in New Zealand serves multiple purposes. It allows for extended atmospheric data collection at a fraction of the cost of rocket launches. The termination of the first flight due to a leak highlights the challenges of operating such large balloons for extended periods. The HIWIND mission onboard the first balloon successfully collected data on atmospheric winds, contributing to a better understanding of the ionosphere. The second flight aims to build upon the lessons learned from the first and further validate the super pressure balloon technology for future scientific endeavors. Potential impacts include better communication and navigation systems as scientists gain insight on the ionosphere.

After an especially rewarding mission and due to mission constraints, we conducted termination operations of the mission over open water to ensure no risk to public or environmental concerns.

While it would have been preferable to recover the hardware, we were able to ensure all our viable data both on the science and support sides were telemetered down.

I am very proud of our team’s efforts and dedication throughout this first mission. We have confidence in the balloon structure, design, and system architecture to enable ultra long duration mid-latitude missions now and into the future

NASA's 2025 super pressure balloon campaign in New Zealand demonstrates the agency's commitment to advancing scientific understanding of the Earth's atmosphere through innovative and cost-effective methods. While the first flight experienced an early termination due to a leak, it still achieved its minimum science requirements. The second flight continues to provide valuable data, contributing to NASA's long-term goal of developing reliable super pressure balloon technology for future long-duration science missions. Future research should focus on mitigating the risk of leaks and improving balloon durability.