Picture Gallery for Tue 2003-09-02 23:41:51 UTC


Launch of the Solar Experiment. As far as I can tell it's called the Solar Bolometric Imager (SBI)... but they don't seem to have a website, the best I can find is this.Launch of the Solar Experiment. As far as I can tell it's called the Solar Bolometric Imager (SBI)... but they don't seem to have a website, the best I can find is this.
Ditto.Ditto.
Getting closer to the launch. On the right is the telescope hanging from the Mobile Launch Vehicle. The payload is attached to a parachute which is stretched out (red). The top of the parachute, in turn, is attached to the balloon.Getting closer to the launch. On the right is the telescope hanging from the Mobile Launch Vehicle. The payload is attached to a parachute which is stretched out (red). The top of the parachute, in turn, is attached to the balloon.
Another view. The balloon is held for fill by the roller truck. Behind the roller truck is the helium tanker.Another view. The balloon is held for fill by the roller truck. Behind the roller truck is the helium tanker.
BLASTers watching the launch.BLASTers watching the launch.
Filling the balloon. Here you can see clearly the roller truck and helium tanker.Filling the balloon. Here you can see clearly the roller truck and helium tanker.
The Mobile Launch Vehicle and payload.The Mobile Launch Vehicle and payload.
A survey of the launch site.A survey of the launch site.
The balloon again.The balloon again.
BLASTers watching the launch.BLASTers watching the launch.
BLASTers watching the launch.BLASTers watching the launch.
Getting ready to release the balloon.Getting ready to release the balloon.
A small, black test balloon (top right) is launched to test wind conditions.A small, black test balloon (top right) is launched to test wind conditions.
About to be launched.About to be launched.
Launch.Launch.
A movie of launch.A movie of launch.
Another movie of launch. This one sort of gets off track near payload release, because I kind of get distracted by the collar releasing and almost landing on the launch vehicle...Another movie of launch. This one sort of gets off track near payload release, because I kind of get distracted by the collar releasing and almost landing on the launch vehicle...
Ascent.Ascent.
Ascent.Ascent.
Ascent.Ascent.
Ascent.Ascent.
Ascent.Ascent.
Ascent.Ascent.
Disappearing into the clouds.Disappearing into the clouds.
Disappearing into the clouds.Disappearing into the clouds.
Josh and Gaelen working on thermometry.Josh and Gaelen working on thermometry.
Jeff modifies the bias generator board.Jeff modifies the bias generator board.
Enzo modifies the BLAST Bus Controller board.Enzo modifies the BLAST Bus Controller board.
Jeff on the gondola doing, erm, something.Jeff on the gondola doing, erm, something.
Blazej mylarising the scoop.Blazej mylarising the scoop.
Warm nitrogen venting during initial cool-down.Warm nitrogen venting during initial cool-down.
The bottom of the chin covered in mylar.The bottom of the chin covered in mylar.
Matt forks more unneeded stuff into storage in the other hangar.Matt forks more unneeded stuff into storage in the other hangar.
Routing more thermometry.Routing more thermometry.
Gaelen, Blazej and Josh working on the gondola.Gaelen, Blazej and Josh working on the gondola.
Another 180 seconds of high-bay life.Another 180 seconds of high-bay life.
Routing more thermometers.Routing more thermometers.
Blazej and Josh putting mylar over the gap between the scoop and the inner frame.Blazej and Josh putting mylar over the gap between the scoop and the inner frame.
Josh putting mylar over the gap between the scoop and the inner frame.Josh putting mylar over the gap between the scoop and the inner frame.
Mark and Jeff leak check the dewar while Enzo checks bolometer signals.Mark and Jeff leak check the dewar while Enzo checks bolometer signals.
Ed working on Star Camera code, wearing his Chaos Toque.Ed working on Star Camera code, wearing his Chaos Toque.
Ed working on Star Camera code, wearing his Chaos Toque.Ed working on Star Camera code, wearing his Chaos Toque.
It's not a step but it is the phone table.It's not a step but it is the phone table.
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