Competitors Seek to Become First to Circle the World in a Balloon

They ride the wind miles above Earth, chasing fame and world records through thin air and arctic cold, where a mistake or sudden storm could mean disaster. And this winter, they’re going for the biggest prize of all.

American, British and Dutch teams are matching money and nerve in a competition to become the first to circle the globe nonstop in a balloon.

“This is the greatest unachieved goal in aviation,” declared 51-year-old millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, who set the world distance mark of 5,435 miles this year when he flew a balloon across the Pacific.

This time, Fossett, a securities dealer, and his yellow Solo Challenger capsule face competition from a pair of well-financed three-man teams.

Richard Branson, the London-based founder of Virgin Atlantic Airways, plans a flight dubbed Global Challenger with Swedish balloon designer Per Lindstrand and Irish balloonist and sky diver Rory McCarthy.

Henk Brink, a 51-year-old Dutch pilot, will ride the jet streams with businessman Wouter Bakker and Dutch air force Col. Willem Hagerman.

Brink expects to spend $4 million to $5 million on his flight, with help from corporate sponsors. Branson’s expedition is expected to be even more expensive, but he’s not releasing figures. Fossett won’t say how much he’s spending on his solo effort, but Alan Noble of Cameron Balloons, a balloon designer, estimates $250,000.

All three teams plan to launch within the next few weeks, depending on the weather. The three balloons won’t necessarily be in the air at the same time.

“We are waiting for the appropriate weather window to launch,” said Timothy “Bo” Kemper, project manager for Fossett. Kemper added that Fossett could launch by year’s end or soon after, depending on the weather.

The trip probably will take as long as three weeks, and weather is unpredictable when looking that far into the future. When the weather forecaster says conditions are right, Fossett plans to lift off outside Rapid City, S.D., from the Stratobowl, a field that is protected by 500-foot cliffs on three sides. Fully inflated, the balloon holds 200,000 cubic feet of helium and 60,000 cubic feet of hot air. The balloon is 150 feet tall and 50 feet wide.

The heated gondola is not pressurized, so Fossett will use an oxygen mask at high altitudes. The gondola is equipped with a bunk and a sleeping bag.