New Mexico ,NASA successfully launched two high-altitude scientific balloon missions from its Fort Sumner facility, marking the first time since 2011 that two balloons were deployed on the same day.

The first mission, known as JPL-Remote, lifted off at 10:12 a.m. EDT and reached a float altitude of 127,000 feet, remaining airborne for nearly 13 hours. Its primary objective was to measure the layering of gases in Earth’s atmosphere, helping scientists validate satellite data and monitor long-term atmospheric changes dating back to 1989.

The second launch, part of the Cosmic Dust Collection Project (CDCP), took place at 12:10 p.m. EDT. This balloon ascended to 125,000 feet and flew for over 8.5 hours, collecting samples of cosmic dust at various altitudes. Researchers aim to study how much of this extraterrestrial material has entered and affected the stratosphere.

Both missions are part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to advance atmospheric science and space research using cost effective balloon platforms. Real-time tracking and updates are available through the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility.