Miracles can happen.

We made it out to CREAM today and over a nine hour period completely disassembled the instrument. Terri, Yoann, Larry Fox from CSBF and worked like crazy to complete as much as possible in one day, since the threat of only one flight has been hanging over our heads. Thanks to our amazing pilots, Jim and Louis, who were willing to spend extra time on the ice and can load a plane till it bursts, we got about 80% of CREAM back to McMurdo. All the major instrument systems are in except two calorimeter trays. Otherwise, the pre-cut palette, TCD support structure, frame uprights and diagonals along with a couple bags of cables remain. They are scheduled for pickup as part of two flights tomorrow. It is unclear if any of us will go along. We will find that out at 7AM, so I need some sleep.

I will put a more detailed description of what we accomplished with pictures on my blog ( http://antarctic-scott.blogspot.com) after I get some sleep, so look for something tomorrow afternoon your time. However, I will be later than that if I am required to go out for the final recovery of remaining items.

Fwd: Flight Summary - Flight Number 577 N

Flight Number: 577 N

Organization/Experimenter: University of Maryland -- GSFC Wallops Flight Facility / Dr. Eun-Suk Seo -- Linda Thompson

Description: The Cosmic Ray Energetics and Mass (CREAM) instrument will investigate ultra high energy cosmic rays over the elemental range from protons to iron. The goal is to observe spectral features and/or abundance changes that might be related to a supernova acceleration limit. This is the third flight for the instrument.

Date/Time Launched: 19 December 2007 / 03: 29 Z

Balloon: W39.57-2-63

CSBF Balloon Number: 993

Mil Thickness (Shell/Caps): 0.8/ 0.8

Balloon Weight: 4, 141 lbs.

Experiment Weight: 3,960 lbs.

Suspended Weight: 6, 000 lbs.

Gross Inflation: 11,155 lbs.

Free Lift: 10%

Terminate Date/Time: 17 January 2008 / 00:36 Z
Impact Date/Time: 17 January 2008 / 01:22
Impact Location 78-42.6 South / 179-40.2 East (177 nm east southeast of McMurdo Station)

Balloon Location: 78-46 South / 179-56 (Estimated)
Total Flight Time: 693 hours, 53 minutes (28 days, 21 hours, 53 minutes)
Condition of Payload: Excellent

Remarks: This flight was an operations and science success. The science preflight desired requirements were exceeded. The launch was a very smooth launch in ideal weather conditions. The science group has reported excellent performance by the instrument. The balloon performance during ascent and float were excellent. The termination was successfully performed using Over the Horizon Iridium procedures. The Rip Stitch shock attenuation system worked flawlessly. Parachute separation was successfully performed using a combination of SAPR and manual separation procedures from the LC-130 aircraft. The aircrew reports that the payload is in excellent condition, and in a very good recovery location. Recovery plans are to be determined.

successful termination of CREAM

CREAM was successfully terminated this afternoon in a textbook perfect operation. You can see a few photos on my blog at http://antarctic-scott.blogspot.com