It takes around an hour to fill a 39-million-cubic-foot scientific balloon with helium. The EXCITE telescope is poised for launch as the day breaks on August 31st, 2024.

Photographer Sophia Roberts

Location Fort Sumner, New Mexico

Date August 31, 2024

Fort Sumner New Mexico Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility Scientific Balloon launch Sunrise EXCITE exoplanet telescope

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