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Test Flight Scheduled for November 1October 25, 1996As the team gears up for their around-the-world attempt, plans are underway to launch a test balloon from Nevada on November 1. During the test flight, The Virgin Global Challenger team will also attempt to break an existing high altitude ballooning record. Las Vegas is the launch location and balloonists Richard Branson, Per Lindstrand, and Rory McCarthy will be on hand for the flight. Reportedly, Per Lindstrand hopes to break Steve Fossett's existing 26,900 foot high altitude record for De Rozier balloons (a helium/hot air combination system). Fossett, another global contender hopes to launch his solo De Rozier system from St. Louis, Missouri this winter. The launch, which will take place at dawn on November 1, will require good ground weather conditions with little to no winds. If all goes well and launch is successful, Per Lindstrand hopes to reach 38,000 feet, breaking Fossett's high altitude record. The Virgin team will be using a smaller balloon envelope than their global balloon, and hope to use this test flight as an opportunity to test out the dynamics of the De Rozier system. (table of contents) Science of Ballooning | Teacher's Guide | Resources | Transcript | Balloon Home Editor's Picks | Previous Sites | Join Us/E-mail | TV/Web Schedule About NOVA | Teachers | Site Map | Shop | Jobs | Search | To print PBS Online | NOVA Online | WGBH © | Updated October 2000 |