World recored broken today - Nearly 70,000 ft. in a hot air balloon

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/27/stories/2005112702681100.htm

MUMBAI: Industrialist Vijaypat Singhania on Saturday broke the world record for the highest flight in a hot air balloon and reached the fringe of outer space. He surpassed 21,000 metres (69,000 feet) a little more than two hours after taking off in his 40-tonne balloon, his son Gautam Singhania said.

The previous world record was 19,811 m, set by Sweden's Per Lindstrand in Plano, Texas, in June 1988. Some 17 aviators have previously tried to eclipse Mr. Lindstrand's record.

The technical team at the Mumbai racecourse monitoring Mr. Singhania's five-hour flight said his balloon touched 21,167 m. On reaching the level, Mr. Gautam Singania beamed proudly and said: "Gentlemen, we've got the world record."

"The exact height reached was 21,290.89 m. This is subject to certification," said Colin Prescott, one of two British designers of the balloon. A sealed altimeter, a global positioning system unit and a barograph were installed inside the capsule to determine the balloon's height, Mr. Prescott said.

[BobRossi]

1. Repukes supplied hot air. nt

[Nomad559]

2. Joe Kittinger - The Speed of Sound

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/42263/the_speed_of_sound/?%20rd=5a4856ca25e46f6e394bda4e7c32dc3024b27a7743758fc%3Cbr%20/%3Eb

http://www.quantium.plus.com/lr/cryonics-europe/Porthtowan/balloontv.htm

http://media.putfile.com/Joe-Kittinger