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

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.