Blog Post #5

Hi there

So the last two weeks were full of urgency as we tried to troubleshoot the NITELITE system at Adler. Last week, we were stalled in the decision making process revolving around ensuring the ACS would function. We built new foam-based insulation and changed the shape of the venting system in order to increase the area in which helium could escape the balloon and to keep the insulation from covering the venting system. Tuesday was the first NITELITE actual test launch with the new system, and we actually ended up launching from the Midewin National Prairie, which the USFS region that I work at manages! The flight climaxed with Ken and I getting relatively lost in a corn field around 2am for a good 90 minutes near Egypt, Indiana. Once we found the balloon though, the helium was still being vented and Ken and I sucked helium out, for the story of course. The ACS worked flawlessly!! The issues now we've found is the current imaging system as well as the GPS lock on the system. Currently in lab, we're trying to find a way to test the imaging issues because previous testing did not indicate any issues before the launch. Hopefully we figure this out before DOE & NPS gets here! P.S. Chinese food in Wilmington, IL is not as bad as it sounds!!