Round-the-World Balloon Launch Reset
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RENO — Another attempt to launch the first manned balloon flight around the world is scheduled Thursday, project organizers said.
The Earthwinds Hilton crew plans to begin preparations Tuesday for a Thursday morning launch from Reno Stead Airfield. “We really have high hopes and confidence we’re going to go a long ways,” said crew member Dave Melton.
Fickle weather thwarted a Dec. 16 attempt just 18 hours before the scheduled liftoff. It marked the fourth time that weather has played a part in five failed efforts to achieve the most elusive goal in aviation.
The unique two-balloon craft requires a virtually windless day with no chance of precipitation just to get off the ground.
Earthwinds has struggled for 2 1/2 years to find the perfect launch window between November and February when wind currents around the jet stream are strongest.
An apparently successful liftoff Jan. 12 ended seven hours and 200 miles later when the three-man crew ditched in a cotton field near Fresno.
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