One of our biggest challenges with Airbus Perlan Mission II in El Calafate is the limited bandwidth for Internet connections. The AeroClub Lago Argentino helpfully expanded the Internet capacity in the hangar. But 15 team members plus multiple computers for telemetry, tracking, weather, and communication means a high useage load! Videos were just not possible. Airbus wanted to share some of our breathtakingly beautiful in-flight videos with the world. A 4 minute clip was literally taking hours to upload — as long as there were no hiccups to slow it down even further. Thanks to Airbus we now have a satellite receiver at the hangar for that very thing.
It was amazingly quick for Filip to set up the Inmarsat Global Xpress Cobham Explorer 5075 out of 2 suitcases. We ended up buying a router to connect multiple users more easily. We have re-activated our Perlan You Tube account so we will be ready for next flight. It boggles my mind to think we have real time tracking with a moving map and brief real time commentary with our Virtual Cockpit and we will be able to share in-flight video soon after landing. Team members Michael Batalia and Martin Heltai have even more upgrades in mind. Remember we cannot order overnight delivery if we need a part, or shop at the nearest mega-store. The Perlan Project epitomizes pioneering for a complex aviation project. I am honored to be associated with such a multi-talented team.
Now we wait for better weather. We have had 3 days of cold rain and fog. The colorful wind charts over Southern Patagonia reminded Osvaldo of a Van Gogh painting. But inside the hangar, work proceeded at a steady pace.
Perlan Se Eleva! Perlan Soars! Jackie
