The first experiment to launch last year (June 8, 2017) was BETTII (Balloon Experimental Twin Telescope for Infrared Interferometry). We took a break to go and watch.
Little Lizard
BETTII
Does interferometry between its two separate mirrors. This is hard to do on a balloon.
Big Bill picks her up
Susan stairs down at us from her perch
Crowd gathers once balloon inflation starts
Inflation
Launch vehicle, parachute, and helium-gun filler
Javier watches
I sneak some close-ups while I have the telephoto lens in
Steven too
And Susan
Inflation finished
Fill tubes tied off and dangling
Balloon release!
Rising
Conveniently placed trees
"Augment" the view
Away she goes
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