NASA has sent a kiwi mascot into space with the launch of its super-pressure balloon from Wānaka yesterday morning (Sunday April 16).

Dressed in its very own space suit, Space Kiwi will soar to the stratosphere as part of NASA’s 2023 balloon programme.

“He’s upgraded to a captain's chair and he is ready for flight like we are,” NASA balloon programme office chief Debora Fairbrother told members of Wānaka’s chamber of commerce at a function last week.

In 2022 NASA ran a competition to name the mascot and Space Kiwi was selected.

However, Space Kiwi didn’t get a chance to fly as the programme failed to launch last year.

Debora said NASA has two payloads this year and is planning two launches from Wānaka.

“We’ll need mother nature on our side,” she said.

The first launch took place yesterday morning in perfect conditions, with Space Kiwi on board.

Technicians work on the SuperBIT payload during a hang compatibility test April 3, 2023, at NASA’s scientific balloon launch site in Wānaka. PHOTO: NASA/Bill Rodman

The NASA balloon programme’s job is to provide a scientific platform in the stratosphere for science. It is also used for education outreach and for technology development.

“It is basically a stable platform that moves with the winds and [is] able to support NASA science,” Debora said.

“When the super-pressure balloon is afloat and inflated it is the size of Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium.”

The balloon’s progress can be tracked here.