14/05/2026
ZS6SRC-36 Pico Balloon Completes Remarkable Flight from Secunda Across Australia and Beyond New Zealand!!!
The ZS6SRC-36 pico balloon was successfully launched from *Secunda, South Africa, on 9 May 2026*, beginning an impressive long-distance high-altitude flight that has now carried it across the Indian Ocean, over Australia, beyond New Zealand and into the South Pacific.
Early tracking confirmed that the balloon was transmitting successfully shortly after launch. At *09:36 on 9 May, ZS6SRC was received on the 10-metre band by several amateur radio stations, including **ZS6EB, ZS6GC, VK5ARG, EA8BFK and 5Z4GO. Initial tracking showed the balloon climbing steadily from the Secunda area, reaching approximately **5.66 km* late in the morning and around *8 500 m* by midday as it moved eastward.
During the main part of the flight, ZS6SRC-36 settled into a strong high-altitude track, generally flying between *11.6 km and 11.9 km. The balloon made rapid progress across the Indian Ocean, with reported speeds often above **140 km/h* and peak calculated speeds exceeding *200 km/h. Temperatures at altitude dropped as low as about *-29°C**, while onboard voltage readings remained healthy for much of the journey.
By 12 May, ZS6SRC-36 had reached Australia, with tracking reports placing it over the continent at approximately *11 820 m. It continued eastward and, by 13 May, had passed beyond Australia and was reported near the New Zealand region, still transmitting at approximately **11 700 m*.
The latest tracking information received between *20:46 and 01:36 CAT* shows that ZS6SRC-36 has continued north of New Zealand, heading across the South Pacific in the general direction of South America. The latest reported position was around *31.10°S, 155.63°W, with the flight having covered approximately **17 412 km, recording **169 track spots* and *21 unattached spots*.
However, the most recent telemetry also brings concern. Just after midnight CAT, the captured data began showing a gradual but clear drop in altitude. The latest reported altitude was approximately *6.26 km, down from the earlier stable flight level of around **12 km. This may indicate a possible leak or loss of lift, although the balloon was still being tracked and was still moving at approximately **119 km/h*.
The ZS6SRC-36 flight has been an outstanding demonstration of amateur radio tracking, pico balloon technology and international cooperation between receiving stations across several continents. Even with the latest concern, the flight has already achieved a remarkable distance and has provided valuable tracking and performance data.
The ZS6SRC team will continue monitoring any further transmissions and will share confirmed updates as the situation develops. See also picture below shows the tracking of the pico ballon.
