On July 16 we were hopeful to get the first wave flight accomplished. Unfortunately the cross winds were gusting 47 knots 40 degrees off the runway heading. We look at forecasts for low, mid level and high altitude wave. Mid level was very soft. Last year we found it impossible to climb through mid level with no lift even though you could see lennies above the glider. So instead of flying, we made it a productive hangar day. Horacio from La Nacion newspaper was at hangar before 8. He got lots of photos including group shots. Martin did as well.
You have seen photos of us wearing heavy coats in the hangar. Two days ago the underground water pipe to the hangar froze. So we got non potable water from airport to fill a huge tank. Tago and German also got the diesel fueled heaters working. We will need to clean the dust off the wings, but the heat source is worth it on hangar days.
Tim, Morgan, Alec and Stewart adjusted the air brakes for cold temperatures. Linda, Jim and Jackie re-indexed the front hatch. Loris worked on Virtual Cockpit displaying info messages on smart phone platforms. He already has it working on computer screens. Alec stayed late and got the Ozone sensor a heat source near the cubesat box in the science bay. The entire team stays busy even if I don’t specify their particular contributions on a particular blog.
Alec and Tim were scouting for up wind ballon launch sites, which took them near the Glacier National Park. So a little sightseeing detour on icy roads was called for. The condors were already flying above Perito Moreno glacier – “The Great White One.”
