Fossett aiming for space
2003-08-05 08:06
Auckland - Millionaire American adventurer Steve Fossett is back in New Zealand to attempt a new world gliding altitude record by soaring towards the edge of space.
Last month Fossett and Christchurch aviator Terry Delore broke the world gliding speed record for a 750 kilometre triangular course above the Nevada Desert and last year they broke the world speed records for 500 kilometres and 100 kilometres at Omarama, in the far south of the South Island.
In the coming weeks Fossett and other members of the high altitude project team, including co-pilot and former Nasa test pilot Einar Envoldson, will be exploring the skies over Omarama for the right combination of conditions that may lead to a new high altitude record.
The project seeks to find stratospheric conditions capable of lifting a glider to up to 30 500 metres - virtually the edge of space.
A preliminary date based on getting the right atmospheric conditions is set for August 14 and 15.
"Anything can change," said project co-ordinator Elizabeth Carter. "But the glider is ready to launch at anytime."
The altitude record was set by American Bob Harris in 1986 at more than 14 935 metres. Envoldson and Fossett have their hopes on reaching 18 900 metres.