Menu
02/09/2003
Balloon ascent thwarted by icing risk
A world record altitude attempt by two balloonists has had to be suspended due to unsuitable weather conditions.
The two British pilots Colin Prescot and Andy Elson are bidding to better an altitude record of 34,668m (113,740ft) set by an American pair in 1961.
Prescot and Elson were due to don their heated pressure suits and begin their ascent today, but concerns over the risk of possible icing conditions have delayed the attempt until tomorrow.
Mr Prescot said that the delay was "frustrating", but that the decision to delay the attempt was a unanimous one.
Even a small layer ice on the surface of their QinetiQ 1 balloon’s envelope could add several tonnes of mass. When fully inflated the massive balloon, a polyethylene envelope little thicker than a freezer bag, which is the largest of its type ever constructed, will stand 390m (1,270ft) tall.
Meteorologists are predicting improved weather conditions tomorrow, when the pair will attempt to reach 39,500m (130,000ft).
Today’s bid was delayed when meteorology reports indicated several layers of cloud along the proposed flight path.
Pioneer altitude balloonists Vic Prather and Malcolm Ross set the 1961 record for an open basket balloon. Prather was killed in an accident during the recovery of the pilots from the water.
(SP)
The two British pilots Colin Prescot and Andy Elson are bidding to better an altitude record of 34,668m (113,740ft) set by an American pair in 1961.
Prescot and Elson were due to don their heated pressure suits and begin their ascent today, but concerns over the risk of possible icing conditions have delayed the attempt until tomorrow.
Mr Prescot said that the delay was "frustrating", but that the decision to delay the attempt was a unanimous one.
Even a small layer ice on the surface of their QinetiQ 1 balloon’s envelope could add several tonnes of mass. When fully inflated the massive balloon, a polyethylene envelope little thicker than a freezer bag, which is the largest of its type ever constructed, will stand 390m (1,270ft) tall.
Meteorologists are predicting improved weather conditions tomorrow, when the pair will attempt to reach 39,500m (130,000ft).
Today’s bid was delayed when meteorology reports indicated several layers of cloud along the proposed flight path.
Pioneer altitude balloonists Vic Prather and Malcolm Ross set the 1961 record for an open basket balloon. Prather was killed in an accident during the recovery of the pilots from the water.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 July 2012
NHS Trust Investigated Over 25 Patient Death
One of the UKs biggest NHS trusts is being investigated over the death of 25 patients, after it admitted “poor record keeping”. “Extreme concern” has been expressed by Westminster and two other London local authorities over lost data on referrals at Imperial College Healthcare.
NHS Trust Investigated Over 25 Patient Death
One of the UKs biggest NHS trusts is being investigated over the death of 25 patients, after it admitted “poor record keeping”. “Extreme concern” has been expressed by Westminster and two other London local authorities over lost data on referrals at Imperial College Healthcare.
23 October 2003
Branson plans new aviation record attempt
Serial record breakers Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson have unveiled plans today to attempt one of the remaining great challenges of aviation - a solo, non-stop flight around the world without refuelling.
Branson plans new aviation record attempt
Serial record breakers Steve Fossett and Sir Richard Branson have unveiled plans today to attempt one of the remaining great challenges of aviation - a solo, non-stop flight around the world without refuelling.
06 May 2005
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
Electric car speed record attempt rescheduled
Following the postponement of Thursday's attempt on the official land speed record for an electric powered vehicle, the team of British engineers hope to be able to make a run later today. Thursday's planned attempt had to be abandoned due to strong crosswinds in the area of the Nevada test run site.
09 August 2004
Atlantic record bid rowers rescued
Four men who were attempting to break the world record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a rowing boat have been rescued after their vessel was snapped in two during a hurricane.
Atlantic record bid rowers rescued
Four men who were attempting to break the world record for the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing in a rowing boat have been rescued after their vessel was snapped in two during a hurricane.
23 March 2004
British explorer breaks balloon altitude record
The British explorer David Hempleman-Adams has broken the eight-year-old open basket balloon altitude record this morning, when he reached a height of 37,000 feet in the skies above Colorado. At 07.46 US Mountain Time (USMT), the team's Denver Flight Centre confirmed that the explorer topped 37,000 feet in his Roziere Balloon.
British explorer breaks balloon altitude record
The British explorer David Hempleman-Adams has broken the eight-year-old open basket balloon altitude record this morning, when he reached a height of 37,000 feet in the skies above Colorado. At 07.46 US Mountain Time (USMT), the team's Denver Flight Centre confirmed that the explorer topped 37,000 feet in his Roziere Balloon.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy start and the chance of the odd evening shower. Soon becoming dry with prolonged clear spells allowing fog patches to develop in places. Cloud increases in the early hours with patchy rain northwest towards morning. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
