Purpose of the flight and payload description
The payload was composed by a special capsule containing three rats and support systems to maintain alive the animals.
The flight performed in the framework of a future manned flight to be performed in India or Australia, by a Singaporean entrepreneur, served to prove the oxygen supply within the capsule, as well the pressurisation and landing system.
Next test is planned for next May, which could be probably launched from Alice Spring, Australia.
Details of the balloon flight
Balloon launched on: 3/14/2015 at 5:30 ist
Launch site: TIFR National Balloon Facility, Hyderabad, India
Balloon launched by: National Balloon Facility, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
Balloon manufacturer/size/composition: Zero Pressure Balloon 38.211 m3
End of flight (L for landing time, W for last contact, otherwise termination time): 3/14/2015
Balloon flight duration (F: time at float only, otherwise total flight time in d:days / h:hours or m:minutes - ): 1 h 50 m
External references
- One step closer to first Sporean reaching edge of space TODAY Newspaper, Singapore, March 16 2015
- To aid Singapore space mission, TIFR sends rats to stratosphere Times of India, February 22, 2016
- Using TIFR balloon, a Singapore firm plans to send manned mission to space Bangalore Times, February 21, 2016
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