Mike Smith "The Right Stuff of the Balloon World" helps throw helium to the research balloon

The balloon and rocket make a unique sight in the Gulf

The HARC crew works by day

And by night to get the C.A.T.S. rockoon mission ready

Last minute preparations before launch, the tension mounts.

Some dork who ruined a perfectly good picture standing in front of a fully fueled rocket, he would probably even set on top of a rocket, where do they get these people.

Installing the electronics payload

Rigging the pyrotechnic ignition system

Our new friends and only spectators to this historic space shot attempt