VWS-6 is currently planned for a February 16, 2008 launch with a weather date in March. This balloon flight will carry an experiment from the Near Space Explorer group at Algonkian Elementary School near Sterling, VA.
Here are some flight predictions based on actual soundings taken on the days indicated. As we get closer the model will use some predicted data based on various wind models.
This will be updated regularly as we prepare for launch. The newest predictions or estimates are listed first, this is new.
Forcast for 1500Z February 16, 2008
Forcast sounding for Washington DC, February 16, 1500Z
Note that this prediction shows a Southeasterly flight with a landing over in Maryland near Mechanicsville, Maryland.
February 15, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 15, 1200Z
Note that this prediction shows a Eastward flight with a landing over in Maryland just outside the beltway near between I-95 and the BW Parkway. Winds may swing South and speed up a bit after the front passes tonight.
February 15, 2008
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Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 15, 0000Z
Note that this prediction shows a Eastward flight with a landing in the Potomac River right where the beltway crosses it! If we had to fly now a starting location further down I-81 and a bit further West would keep the balloon out of high density areas or airports. So perhaps the winds will slow down or shift to the South or to the North.
February 14, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 14, 1200Z
Note that this prediction shows a SE flight with a landing near Fredericksburg VA. Might be a pretty nice flight and recovery.
February 13, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 13, 1200Z
Note that this prediction shows a return to a NE flight with a landing up in PA. Might be OK to go ahead and fly if the pattern will not be changing for a while as it appears.
February 9, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 9, 0000Z
Would be a landing over in Delaware.
February 8, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 8, 0000Z
Winds have shifted towards the east and increased in speed to 177 mph at 32k ft with the landing now in the Bay.
February 7, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 7, 0000Z
Winds have shifted and increased in speed a bit with the landing now up near the PA border north of Baltimore.
February 6, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 6, 0000Z
burst reduced to 84,000 ft but still lands in Maryland.
February 5, 2008
Actual sounding, Dulles Airport, February 5, 0000Z
Note that this prediction shows burst over Vienna with a touchdown in Maryland.
