Gliding Into the Stratosphere

iAlex writes "Apparently flying around the world in a balloon isn't enough for Steve Fossett. Currently he is attempting to exceed the sailplane altitude record of 49,000 feet. The intention is to fly a two seat glider into the stratosphere on a mountain wave while wearing a pressure suit. Later on the intention is to exceed 100,000 feet in a pressurized glider. There is also a Wired article." Here's a nutshell description of the plan and a primer on mountain waves.

Comments

Minor typo in article

[JUSTONEMORELATTE]

That last line should read:
Here's a description of the nutcase's plan

I wish

[tcd004]

"Mountain Waves" had something to do with mountains attending sporting events. That would be sweet.

Read Justin Timberlake's "I banged Britney" homepage

tcd004

Here's an idea.

[Kenja]

I bet that we could setup a laser array that could heat the air (what little of it there is) under this things wings so he would go up high enough to be unable to get back down. Then he'd stop doing this kind of pointless crap.

I know its not doable due to basic physics. Still, a geek can dream.

What do you expect?

[taloobie]

What else do we expect from wealthy people seeking meaning and excitement nowadays?

Haven't all the great philanthropic quests been completed by Bill Gates?

Some should tell Steve Fosset

[teetam]

Someone should tell Steve Fosset about an invention called the "aeroplane". For a fraction of the cost he is incurring now, he can fly around the world as many times as he wants. And what's more, he will get complimentary peanuts too!!!

Re:Some should tell Steve Fosset

[Paradise Pete]

And what's more, he will get complimentary peanuts too!

Ya know, I always hear about these complimentary snacks, but whenever I fly my peanuts never say a damn thing, good or bad.

The only record he will break...

[jsonmez]

Man falls from highest recorded height wearing a blue pressurized jumpsuit.