The dream of becoming the first balloonist to go around the world has produced intense competition, but so far the challenge has defeated all those who've attempted it. Earlier this week, the American millionaire Steve Fosset had mechanical problems which forced him to land his balloon in southern Russia; and last month Richard Branson's bid was frustrated by a gust of wind which ripped his balloon from its moorings while it was being inflated.

Richard Branson hopes to try again in about ten days, and another American team are planning to leave from New Mexico at around the same time, but for the moment, the field is clear for the Breitling Orbiter. One year ago, the Breitling Orbiter was forced to ditch in the Mediterranean because of a kerosene leak, and in case running repairs are needed this year, the British engineer Andy Elson, who designed the balloon's capsule, will also be flying.

He will spend the first 20 minutes of the flight attached by a safety harness to the outside of the pressurized capsule so that he can deploy some antennas and solar panels. The journey should take between 12 and 20 days.