TIFR Launches 10 Scientific Balloon Flights from Hyderabad

The **Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)**, based in **Hyderabad**, is set to conduct ten scientific balloon flights as part of a high-altitude research initiative. These flights are scheduled to take place between **October 25 and December 31, 2023**, under the collaboration of the **Department of Atomic Energy** and the **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)**.

The balloons, constructed from thin polyethylene plastic films, will range from **50 to 85 meters** in diameter. They will be launched from the TIFR’s Balloon Facility during night hours, specifically between **20:00 and 06:30**. Each balloon will be filled with hydrogen, allowing it to ascend to altitudes between **30 km and 42 km**. These flights are crucial for collecting data and conducting experiments in high-altitude environments.

Upon completion of the experiments, the scientific instruments carried by the balloons will be detached and will descend to the ground using large, colored parachutes. Depending on wind conditions, these parachutes could drift and land anywhere from **200 to 350 kilometers** away from Hyderabad, potentially reaching areas in the **Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad-Sholapur** belt. They may also land in various districts, including **East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Chittoor, Anantapur, Nellore, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Kadapa**, and **Visakhapatnam**.

To ensure safety and the integrity of the scientific equipment, TIFR has issued a warning to the public. Individuals who encounter the instruments are urged not to tamper with them, as they may contain sensitive scientific devices. Instead, they should report any findings to the nearest police station, post office, or district authorities. TIFR stated, “The instruments are safe and non-hazardous unless forcibly opened.”

Those who return the equipment will be reimbursed for communication or travel expenses incurred during the retrieval process. However, no rewards will be offered if the instruments are opened or tampered with, emphasizing the importance of handling them with care.

This initiative not only showcases India’s advancements in scientific research but also highlights the collaborative efforts between major institutions in the country. As the flights progress, the data collected will contribute significantly to various fields of study, enhancing the understanding of high-altitude atmospheric conditions.