flyingpolarbear

I read that it was pushed back to 2009 because of funding, and then, as of about a month ago, his www.legrandsaut.org stopped responding. Maybe he totally ran out of money this time but deserves a lot of credit for trying, and for advancing knowledge in this area.

Latest news on the next attempt date from the team blog: "Next window is located at the end of August, at the beginning of September, I hope to be ready. I thank you for deepest for my heart for your support. Cordially, Michel."

In 2002 and 2003, Michel Fournier engaged Cameron Balloons, the world's largest balloon manufacturer, to construct the helium balloon. Cameron Balloons built the Breitling Orbiter III, the first balloon to fly around the world, and Steve Fossett's Spirit of Freedom, the first solo around the world balloon flight. The first two attempts also failed only because of balloon inflation problems. This could happen to anyone trying the same kind of mission, because helium balloons going to that altitude are somewhat rare. It's in the hands of the expert manufacturer. This site has some nice detailed photos on exactly what went wrong during the previous attempts: http://www.greatexcursions.com/blogs/explore_regina/ I don't know which company built the new balloon and the bolt release system for the 2008 attempt. It would be interesting to find out whether the team changed the balloon maker. According to the StratoCat high-altitude balloon history website: "As a matter of fact, these kind of occurences are not uncommon in the scientific ballooning history, and even they had in the past an humorous side. Back in the middle 50's during a balloon miassion carried out at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, one of those "squibs" used for separate the balloon from the payload was fired by a radio signal coming from a commercial station transmiting in a nearby frequency of the balloon telecommand signal. In that moment, the station was broadcasting the "Tiger Rag" a song which for instance had a sound pattern similar to the precoded termination signal. The system missinterpreted the song sound by the code and fired at once the explosive bolt of the termination system." In response to someone's earlier post regarding the ride to altitude: The poster stated that a partial pressure suit (vs full pressure) is risky primarily because of the 2-hour ascent to 130K ft. However, this capsule is pressurized. The suit would only be exposed to low pressure during freefall.

Captain Joseph Kittenger just added these comments in a NY Times article: Reached by telephone at his home outside Orlando, Fla., Kittinger, 79, said: “I had my fingers crossed for him. The poor guy has worked all these years, spent all this money. I feel sorry for him. I really do.” Personally, I am inspired by his determination. All of his previous launch attempts were scrubbed by silly problems with the balloon. This reminds me of Steve Fossett's multiple attempts to become the first person to fly a solo balloon around the world. He ran into multiple glitches but he realized that the mission was still do-able. Some people are easy quitters, but our world is shaped by those innovators and explorers that push the limits of the mind, when the physical world is telling them it is possible.

Perhaps Michel Fournier selected a partial pressure suit because that is what the astronauts wear at launch/re-entry! Keep in mind, he was originally selected to tests ways that astronauts could escape from the European version of the space shuttle, which was emerging after the Challenger disaster. If he wears a full pressure suit, then the jump would lose real-world value, because astronauts will not wear a full pressure suit during launch/re-entry, or have the time to put one on during an accident. The goal, I think, is to see whether this can be done in a way that can be later applied to improve the safety of space travel. If he dies during the attempt, at least data will be collected to understand the dangers of astronauts jumping out of their spacecraft in their partial pressure suits. This jump has its roots in a real research program, and is making an important contribution. Steve Truglia's upcoming attempt is also wonderful but I didn't understand his sharp comments toward Fournier - he is jabbing him a bit too much I think.

After reading many news articles on this, I'm beginning to piece together some clues of what might have happened from unconfirmed reports. One Canadian article says that there was a problem with the oxygen system causing the launch to abort. Other articles say that they can't determine whether the balloon cutaway was by accident or intentional. I guess, maybe someone on the ground witnessed someone physically detaching the balloon. Another report mentions a siren (or truck horns) just moments before the balloon detached. I speculate is that there was a problem with the O2 system, and someone triggered the abort for the team to detach the balloon. A news conference is scheduled later on to discuss the exact cause. "The press conference will take place at 16:00. Michel Fournier will host journalists in the presence of all his team." That's 4pm Mountain time zone.

"The team is said to have back-up balloons on hand, but Oliver there is no word yet whether Fournier will proceed with another attempt." I hope he tries again soon and that the new publicity will bring more sponsors. Financing is half the challenge. He sold his house and many of his possessions to pay for the equipment. I am guessing that they could take care of it real quick if it is a technical glitch on the balloon attachment. However what I feel bad about is $500,000 just flew away and whether the team can recover financially to try again.

It's still on! The jump is scheduled for early Tuesday morning, around the time the stock market opens. Maybe CNN will show another live video feed (we should email them to make sure they include this live stream). For the latest updates go here: http://www.legrandsaut.org/ Here is a nice collection of photos and story of the previous attempts: http://www.greatexcursions.com/blogs/explore_regina/ This is really exciting! I remember following the 2002 and 2003 attemps. Michel's balloon ripped apart right when he was about to launch in 2003. Then another adventurer, Cheryl Stearns, announced that she was going to jump from the edge of space. That team also ran into financing challenges. I know what it's like to chase after sponsors because I started one of the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge teams, and getting sponsorships is not easy. One of the guys I work with at my aerospace/IT job is an old timer parachutist from the pioneering days of the military surplus round chutes. For the past few years all we talk about is the Fournier jump whenever we run into each other at the office. What I'm wondering about, is how does he ensure that he is stabilized on initial exit, in the thin atmosphere? Michel Fournier's persistence in achieving this adventure and dream is really inspiring.