In October 2007 the international collaboration known as SUNRISE launched a balloon-borne solar telescope into the stratosphere in order to study the Sun's surface. This test flight prepares the way for long-duration polar flights beginning in 2009. This image shows the test version of the Sunrise telescope used to avoid the possibility of damaging the one destined for the polar flights. The round lens cover of the telescope can be seen nestled in the center of its housing at the bottom center of the gondola.