NSL-91

On the evening of 15 September, 2021 SpaceX readied for the first private space flight, Inspiration4. To celebrate this, Matthew and Paul launched NSL-91 in an attempt to image the flight. The payload configuration from NSL-87 was chosen to hold two low-light cameras and two trackers. No additional "wing" was added.

The flight track for Inspiration4 followed the east coast of of the US. Launched just after sunset, its staging and upper stage were expected to glow in the sun for a spectacular view for those on the ground. The first stage would land just off the coast of NC/SC.

Below are images during the evening ascent from the RunCam.

As the balloon ascended, SpaceX's launch occurred without a hitch. The entire rocket flight up the coast was eventually imaged by both low-light cameras. Here are some choice images from the black and white RunCam video. Note that all images are a bit smeared by the spinning of the payload with a slow shutter speed.

Below is a similar set from the color Dolphin camera. Starting with launch, staging, passing the moon, and then finally almost out of sight as it crosses the ocean.

As an extra treat, the International Space Station was also scheduled to come by. This was also imaged as it flew almost in front of the moon.

Sample of the video clip as the balloon approached burst at 103,342 feet. This was roughly the amount of spinning seen during the whole flight. Watch for the thunderstorm to the west.

Below is an image of the cities below with light cloud cover. And the view just before landing as it rapidly spun under the parachute.

The payload came to rest in a tall tree on the edge of a pond. Paul had secured the payload box to the chute with a link of PVA string. The hope was that rain would dissolve this link and allow the payload to fall out of a tree. There was the briefest of showers in the forecast, so he wait and waited. Eventually he called in Tim W, the master archer, who quickly assembled his special gear and pulled the payload down. Upon inspection, the PVA had mostly melted, perhaps a solid bit of rain might have brought it down.