The day after we interviewed Colin Prescot for Science Shack, the (paper)(hot air) balloon we were making collapsed during inflation. We managed to over-pressure the thing, and blew a seam at the top. Now it looks like exactly the same thing has happened to Colin’s balloon, Qinetiq 1. Poor sods.
Credit to Qinetiq for voicing their continued support for the project. If you recall, the flight was due last summer but an appropriate weather window failed to materialise, so they’ve been on board for at least three years.