Balloon part of global internet connectivity project

A STRATOSPHERIC balloon crash landed in the remote NT on Friday

A STRATOSPHERIC balloon crash landed along the Stuart Highway south of Ti Tree on Friday.

Southern Watch Commander Shaun Furniss said about 6pm on Friday police were called to a traffic hazard and found what appeared to be a weather balloon off the eastern side of the Stuart Highway.

“The balloon was still part inflated and threatening to blow across the road,” he said.

Upon further inspection police found it was balloon belonging to Loon, a project designed to bring internet connectivity to rural and remote communities worldwide.

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“Officers called the number attached and spoke with a person who made arrangements to collect the balloon and attached electronics,” Sr Sgt Furniss said.