Bertrand Piccard


	Man had explored the poles, the continents, the peaks, space and the abysses, but the balloon, which first flew in 1783 still had to fly around the world. A page in history was waiting to be written. The venture also turned out to be a technological challenge. When Bertrand Piccard started the Breitling Orbiter project, the longest a balloon had ever remained airborne was six days. According to meteorologists, a flight around the world would require it to stay aloft for three weeks. It was necessary to build an enormous balloon, 55 metres high and covered with thermal insulation, as well as a pressurized cabin enabling the crew to survive at altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 metres where the jet-streams blow. Over several years, a number of contestants embarked on detailed studies but failed in their attempts. Max Anderson's "Jules Verne" balloon, Larry Newman's "Earthwind", Richard Branson's "Virgin Global Challenger", Bertrand Piccard's "Breitling Orbiter", Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit", Kevin Uliassi's "J-Renée", Dick Rutan's "Global Hilton", Andy Elson's "Cable and Wireless" to mention those which managed to get off the ground. But, after all, effort and sacrifice are essential for dreams to come true.

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