ASTRO-10

Post-Flight Summary

ASTRO-10 suffered a malfunction of the remote cut-down system that was being tested on this flight.  As a result, the entire payload train cut away from the balloon after approximately 2900ft.  The entire payload system was recovered near an apartment complex in Stillwater.  Modifications are being made to the cut-down circuit and the mission will be re-scheduled.  Check back to the ASTRO site for details.

Below are some pictures recovered from the Pentax k10d.  The camera impacted the ground rather hard and suffered some damage to the filter ring.  The lens itself was undamaged.

Shot just after launch.  Note launch crew in lower right corner watching the balloon after release.

Taken just after cut-down malfunction.  Landing site in lower center.

Apartment complex in Stillwater, just before landing.

Just after landing before recovery.