Balloonists Attempt World Altitude Record

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Balloonists Attempt World Altitude Record

Posted by simoniker on Monday September 1, 2003 @07:26AM from the up-up-and-away dept.

ACey writes "BBC News is reporting on the latest attempt to break the balloon altitude world record. Qinetiq 1 is scheduled to launch tomorrow, 2nd September 2003, from the coast of Cornwall, UK, and aims to reach 132,000 feet or 25 miles in a flight that could last 12 hours. The balloon is so big (1,250 feet tall) that it should be visible from most of the UK, Ireland and Western France as it climbs. Good luck to them!"

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Naturally.. by grub · 2003-09-01 07:29 · Score: 5, Funny

The first transmission from the balloon will be "Can you hear me now? ... Good!"

--
Trolling is a art,
Re:One question comes to my mind: by Gr33nNight · 2003-09-01 07:31 · Score: 5, Funny

Because he can. Are you new here?
Erm "Balloon" by CaffeineAddict2001 · 2003-09-01 07:31 · Score: 5, Funny

I knew if I wanted to conceal the departure of our ancient alien visitors I too would construct a 1,200 foot balloon and tell people it was trying to break an altitude record.

This just prooves our alien overlords point - we deserve to get our brains eaten.
Re:xprize? by mitomac · 2003-09-01 07:42 · Score: 5, Informative

No, the xprize requirement is 65 miles -- another 40 miles more than the stated goal.
SI Units by GoneGaryT · 2003-09-01 07:44 · Score: 5, Informative

...40,000 metres (40 kilometres) up in a balloon 381 metres tall...
Masochists, I tells ya. by JCCyC · 2003-09-01 07:44 · Score: 5, Funny

See here.

Selected quote:
"The two men will not eat during their mission, and they are hoping they will not have to go to the toilet either. A special fibre-free diet will begin three days before the trip in the hope that waste will be kept to a minimum."

All I can say is -- Holy crap!