The balloon has almost landed.
Wanaka Airport manager Ralph Fegan yesterday said Nasa's giant super-pressure helium balloon was on a truck coming south from Auckland and he expected it at the airport in the next few days.
Other equipment connected with the balloon launch on April 1 is due to arrive today and the Nasa team that will oversee the launch is due in about 10 days.
The April launch will be the second from the airport. Mr Fegan said the date was set so as not to coincide with the International Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.
Last year's launch was a test to see if the location would be suitable, and it is expected this year the balloon will carry scientific equipment 33.5km up, into the stratosphere, where it could remain for several months.
Last year's test balloon remained in space for 32 days until it developed a leak and was brought down in a remote part of Australia.
The balloon programme is designed to provide scientists with a low-cost way to explore space.
