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03/09/2003
Blow out ends hopes of record-breaking balloon ascent
Andy Elson and Colin Prescot's manned balloon mission in QinetiQ 1 was aborted this morning when a technical hitch during inflation resulted in a split seam in the balloon's delicate envelope.
The launch crew on board the RV Triton off Cornwall reported that a twist in the balloon envelope as it was fed from its delivery drum during inflation had caused a seam failure.
Mission Control Director, Brian Jones said: "The whole QinetiQ 1 crew is understandably upset by this set back. We only had a one-off shot with the balloon today, so as soon as the problem arose the pilots had no choice but to abort the mission."
The team say that pending a closer inspection of the balloon, it is thought that the twist may have caused the helium already present in the top of the balloon to come under excess pressure and split a seam.
QinetiQ Managing Director David Anderson said: "QinetiQ has backed and continues to back this mission, as we have done over the last two years. The whole QinetiQ 1 team will now assess how the project will go forward and a decision will be made in due course."
The balloon inflation was always recognised as being one of the most complex parts of the mission.
Andy Elson led a team of twelve people in Glastonbury, who designed and built the balloon envelope, including the development of a unique manufacturing process.
It is hoped that the team will be able to make another attempt on the record with an ascent next year.
(SP)
The launch crew on board the RV Triton off Cornwall reported that a twist in the balloon envelope as it was fed from its delivery drum during inflation had caused a seam failure.
Mission Control Director, Brian Jones said: "The whole QinetiQ 1 crew is understandably upset by this set back. We only had a one-off shot with the balloon today, so as soon as the problem arose the pilots had no choice but to abort the mission."
The team say that pending a closer inspection of the balloon, it is thought that the twist may have caused the helium already present in the top of the balloon to come under excess pressure and split a seam.
QinetiQ Managing Director David Anderson said: "QinetiQ has backed and continues to back this mission, as we have done over the last two years. The whole QinetiQ 1 team will now assess how the project will go forward and a decision will be made in due course."
The balloon inflation was always recognised as being one of the most complex parts of the mission.
Andy Elson led a team of twelve people in Glastonbury, who designed and built the balloon envelope, including the development of a unique manufacturing process.
It is hoped that the team will be able to make another attempt on the record with an ascent next year.
(SP)
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