Launch from Palestine (TX) of the #BIRAP Infrared Telescope developed at the University of #Groningen, Netherlands. Circa 1978.

BIRAP used a 60 cm. Cassegrain-type telescope mounted on a stabilized platform developed by Ball Brothers.

At the time, BIRAP's scientists had the tradition of nicknaming every #balloon flight to the -at that time- secretary of the Department of Space Research.

Hence, some flights carried in the gondola tubing names such as GRETHA 5 or LAURA 1

#BalloonImageOfTheDay