depscribe's photos with the keyword: Amy Gibas

Pretty in the late-afternoon sky

Pretty in the late-afternoon sky

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06 Nov 2016 162
Never was the phrase "wild blue yonder" more appropriate.
There it goes!

There it goes!

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06 Nov 2016 189
And it's off! The balloon went almost straight up on the windless day, but did find a breeze a thousand feet up or so, and headed almost due south.
There was a countdown. Two, actually.

There was a countdown. Two, actually.

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06 Nov 2016 179
Final check before countdown.
Everything set?

Everything set?

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06 Nov 2016 161
Almost ready for launch. The orange item is the parachute that it was hoped would save the payload once the balloon popped. Note the crewman's emergency slingshot -- for use, for instance, if it took off before the instruments were turned on, making recovery nearly impossible.
Here's the instrument package

Here's the instrument package

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06 Nov 2016 178
The payload comprised an audible beacon at left, a GPS tracking device designed to help find the payload when and where it ultimately came down, center, and a GoPro camera to see the sights from the balloon's altitude.
The payload is the purpose of the exercise

The payload is the purpose of the exercise

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06 Nov 2016 158
Checking to make sure everything is turned on.
Hang on tight!

Hang on tight!

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06 Nov 2016 184
The payload is tied to the balloon.
And grow

And grow

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06 Nov 2016 166
Soon the balloon was THIS BIG!
But soon it will take on shape

But soon it will take on shape

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06 Nov 2016 146
Crew and well wishers recorded the launch.
It doesn't look like much now . . .

It doesn't look like much now . . .

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06 Nov 2016 182
Amy Gibas, kneeling, and crew start to inflate the balloon with helium. It is to carry a 1.2-pound payload comprising a GoPro camera, a GPS tracker, and an audible beacon to aid in recovery.