Bertrand Piccard: Grandson of Auguste Piccard, first man to enter the
stratosphere (see History of Ballooning)
Château-d'Oex, Switzerland.
Time of Year: (same as other teams) November 1996 to March 1997
Cruising Altitude: 30,000 - 39,000 feet
Speed: The speed of the jet stream, which could average 120 mph or
200 kph.
Design: De Rozier
Height: 150 feet or 45.7 meters Capacity: 15,000 cubic meters or 529,650 cubic feet
Fabric: Nylon fabric. An outer aluminum-coated skin regulates the impact
of solar radiation.
Design: Designed by Donald Cameron. This is a pressurized capsule with a 20
to 80 ratio of liquid oxygen to liquid nitogen. Carbon dioxide exhaled by the
crew will be absorbed by lithium dioxide cartridges. The capsule has a pair of
seats, a bunk, small toilet, and kitchenette along with numerous communications
equipment.
Inmarsat Standard C: Utilizing standard Global Positioning Satellite
Systems, this unit provides real-time tracking of the balloon's exact position
and speed. This two-way satellite communications system also enables data
transfer and E-mail between the capsule and the ground.
Inmarsat Standard M Satellite Phone: Allows for voice communication
between the capsule and the ground.
HF Radio: With an estimated 6,000 mile range, this system has an air
traffic control contact over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
VHF Radio: With a range of 200 miles this communications system allows
for air-to-air and air-to-ground communication. It also is the means for Air
Traffic Control communication in the United States and Europe.
