Sunday Launch window set, weather "mixed"

Post date: Sep 17, 2016 10:26:47 PM

After a 2 hour briefing this evening, the launch window and sequence is set.

10am Sunday Germany time (2am New Mexico) there will be another briefing

1230 Sunday (0430 NM time) Inflations will begin.

2200 Sunday (1400 NM time) Launch begin. (with a direct pipeline to industry, organizers expect to fill 3 balloons per hour (maybe one at a time?), thus the long time period between the start of inflation and launch)

and where will they go....here's the summary of the weather forecast...

- Gusty on launch

- OK until you reach the Alps, which will be covered in cloud

- Head west for clearer air, but beware the Mistral

- Make a choice: land before the Mistral or fly out over the Mediterranean for the islands

- Fly the sea, and watch for storms over mainland Italy

- Aim for Crete, the long thin island somewhere east of Italy

The final words: “Don’t be afraid of the water, the weather will be fine for you.”

Peter's take on the briefing.....

Estimated 3 balloons filled per hour. Eight hours to fill all 24 balloons. It will be a relief when we finally get into the air …then we fight the thunderstorms over the alps if we go south east or over the west coast of Italy if we go more south and then east. Pick your poison.

Going to bed now.

There is a great summary of the briefing on the Gordon Bennett page. http://gordonbennett.aero/news/briefing-6pm-sat-17-sept-2016-storms-on-the-horizon