[Iron Munro]

So what happens to the 3,700 pound balloon and the 3,000 pound capsule?

Do they just freefall back to earth somewhere?

[DoughtyOne]

The capsule landed (w/parachute) about 35 to 45 miles away.

Don’t know about the balloon.

[HangnJudge]

Capsule came to earth by parachute

[gorush]

The capsule was released from the balloon after which a parachute deployed for it’s descent. I’m not sure what the fate of the balloon is, I believe it opens on top releasing the helium.

[JRandomFreeper]

The capsule came back under a parachute. And it didn't fall anywhere. It's in NM, near Roswell. Which is about as far from anywhere as you can get. It's much closer to nowhere.

It's not the end of the world, but you start seeing signs for that exit around Alamogordo.

I spent the longest century of my life in that area, over 3 years. ;)

/johnny

[Doogle]

capsule recovered (had it’s own chute)

[okie01]

Do they just freefall back to earth somewhere?

They will continue to rise and expand in ever thinner air until, at some point, the balloon material will spring a leak (or rupture).

If a leak, the balloon and the capsule will eventually drift back to earth. If a rupture, the capsule will itself enter free-fall to a violent landing.

[qman]

Yes, The capsule from the balloon detaches by remote. I’m not sure about the balloon but it does have a release valve at the top to let out the helium so I’m guessing that the when the capsule detaches it pulls the valve full open. It would still take a long time for the balloon to fall based on weight and drag.