Strong Winds Delay Balloon Launching

The launch of the Earthwinds around-the-world balloon was scrubbed because it was too windy.

The wind at the Loral Corp. launching site here was too strong and in the wrong direction early Friday, causing fears that the balloon would blow into the dock, said Earthwinds spokesman William G. Armstrong. He said the launching is not likely to be tried for another four or five days.

Earthwinds would be the first balloon to circle the globe. The flight is expected to take two to three weeks.

The double balloon is designed so that the top balloon has helium that makes the balloon rise and the bottom holds compressed air that acts as ballast. The crew compartment is between the two balloons.