Astronauts say that one of their most enduring impressions of Earth from space is the oneness of it all, the realisation that borders are simply invented by politicians and map-makers.

But for long-distance balloonists, the politics of airspace are all too real and just one more difficult hurdle to overcome in the race to make it round the world.

Solo Spirit wasted valuable fuel avoiding Libyan airspace

Teams trying to circumnavigate the world are at the mercy of the winds and cannot maintain full control of their destination, so flight planners must ensure they obtain permission from any countries they may fly over well in advance of the voyage.

Such permission is not always granted, especially over militarily sensitive areas. The American balloonist Steve Fossett might have managed to circumnavigate the world last year had Colonel Gaddafi of Libya not stood in his way.

In 1997 he was forced to give up his dream of becoming the first balloonist to circle the globe when his fuel stocks ran out over India. Earlier in his journey, the government in Tripoli had refused him permission to cross Libyan airspace. He had to bypass the country by flying over neighbouring Nigeria, Chad and Sudan, wasting 24 hours and a third of his fuel.

With fuel to last only three more days, Mr Fossett knew he would not be able to cross Asia or the Pacific Ocean and reach his launch base in St Louis, Missouri.

An Mi24 helicopter like this one shot down a balloon in 1995

Even when race organisers have obtained permission to enter a country's airspace, they are not guaranteed safe passage.

In September 1995, two American balloonists were killed when their balloon was shot down by the Belorussian air force.

Alan Fraenckel and John Stuart-Jervis were taking part in the Gordon Bennett balloon race when they were confronted by two Mi-24 helicopter gunships. After failing to make radio contact with the gondola, the helicopters shot it down over a remote forest.

Two more balloons flying over the country at the time were forced to land, the crew were detained without explanation before being released. They had to pay a $30 fine for not having visas.

Russian border guards help to recover the Solo Spirit

This tragic incident infuriated the American diplomats and shocked the world. However, most of the time government officials are fairly understanding.

When Mr Fossett's latest bid to circle the globe ended in failure again this year, Russian border guards actually helped him recover his balloon from a muddy field.

But once again, Colonel Gaddafi's regime had refused him permission to enter Libyan airspace. By the time Mr Fossett was granted access the route-plan had been redrawn, and it were technical problems which brought down Mr Fossett's balloon.

Sometimes outside help can be a little over-enthusiastic.

Branson speaks of his relief after Moroccans offer help to find his runaway balloon (0'50")

When Richard Branson's Virgin Global Challenger ripped away from its moorings unmanned in Marrakesh earlier this year, the Moroccan government sent out a helicopter to help find it. The balloon finally came down in the Algerian Sahara, but was badly damaged by the locals who recovered it.

The final frontier

There is only place where a balloon cannot threaten to encroach on someone else's territory - outer space.

The Dymocks Flyer, piloted by American Bon Martin and Australian John Wallington, and due to take off in December 1998, will be the first balloon to attempt to circle the globe 24 miles (39km) up, at the edge of the Earth's atmosphere.

It is the only launch to take place in the Southern Hemisphere and the flight should take 20 days.

It will float high above bad weather, unpredictable jet streams - and unpredictable political leaders.
 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©