Argo upgrades. We had to replace the rear bearing on the Argo. While we were at it, we replaced the axles with heavy duty jeep axles. Wherever our balloon lands, we will get there.
What’s Happening at JPA
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Bella Update
Bella without her tanks. We pull all the side ballast tanks to replace seals and all the high pressure tanks for refilling. The ballast tanks will get dive tested and reinstalled then Bella will be ready for the next round of in the water tests.
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Dark Sky Station
Dark Sky Station. Outpost at the edge of space. The big V is the “Ascender H1”, station to orbit vehicle. The smaller V are the “Load” Airship, ground to station.
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Tandem Airship Pushing Through Turbulence
More wild things in the sky. This time one of our own. Full Video: https://youtu.be/SlHQM4E3nyw Tandem airship powering through the turbulence at 70,000 feet.
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Float Test Results
We ended up with a page of todos after the first float test, although I expected more. The port ballast tank seals need replacing and the emergency ballast blow valve needs higher pressure. I can’t wait for Bella next time out!
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To Infinity and Beyond…
About 25 years ago Mattel asked us to put together a rocket launch promotion for their new ‘Jetz’ foam gliders. We ended up not getting the gig but concept art sure looked cool!
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Falcon at Area 42
YouTube: https://youtu.be/29_imQuUwP8?si=7RKUZOgk2B8wjGRD
A Falcon photobombed the security cam at our launch site. It was only a few seconds, but we got the selfie!
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Launch!
Bellavia, our submarine took to the water for the first time today. This was on initial launch and float test. All went really well and we came away with a page of todos.
