Successful Launch of Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory from Antarctica

Chris Walker's Stratospheric Terahertz Observatory team successfully launched STO from McMurdo in Antarctica on Dec 8, 2016. Photos and Captions are courtesy of Brian Duffy and Chris Walker. They've provided us with several photos. In addition, a video of the launch, provided by collaborator Chris Groppi of ASU, can be seen HERE.

Photo 1, the A-136 STO team.  Front Row (L-R) Erin Jacklin, JHUAPL; Brian Duffy, UA; Elliot Rodberg, JHUAPL Back row, standing, (L-R) Christopher Walker, UA; Kay Davis, ASU; William (Bill) Peters, UA; Christopher Groppi, ASU; Abram Young, UA; Michael Carpenter, JHUAPL, Jose Siles, JPL.

Photo 2, Panorama of the Launch. The balloon is an LDB (Long Duration Balloon].

Photo 3, Balloon at moment of release.

Photo 4, Balloon Rising.

Photo 5, Flight Train Approaching Zenith.

Photo 6, STO in Flight.

Photo 7, STO Full Flight Train.