Inspired by the animated film Up, moonhouse #2.8 rised approximately 400 meters on a helium-driven vehicle. The launch took place on a bright swedish summer evening at ”Vretbo Space Center” near Västerås.
The craft was tethered to a fishing line, but getting it back was hard. Winds and trees made the moonhouse get stuck. With the help of arrows, neighbours and an airgun it was possible to retrieve the payload.
Moonhouse #2.8 will continue its adventures.
The reddish dry rocks of the Negev Desert in Israel gives you that martian feeling, even though the skies are blue and the air is hot (and breathable). It’s not Mars, but an exciting area nevertheless.
The Moonhouse landed at lat: 29.504383, long: 34.904680 approximately 11.00 UTC 15 feb 2013. The spot lies right at the border between Israel and Egypt and the border fence runs along the road that is vaguely visible between the hills behind the moonhouse. This expedition did not have the opportunity to move closer to the border since an israeli army outpost on the hill to the left made it clear that it was not a good idea.
If you look around from the moonhouse vantage point you can see Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. One kilometer away from the moonhouse lies the Taba crossing, which is the only regulated landcrossing between Israel and Egypt.
More houese on the way. #2.5 on its way to Månstad and #2.8 on its way to Nacka. Furthermore, house #2.4 is on its way to Gothenburg and #2.7 on its way to the Salomon Islands. We look forward to seeing beautiful pictures from these and other locations shortly.
