WIRED Staff
Science

Slideshow: They'll Ride a Balloon Into Space

Two Brits are planning to ride to the edge of space in a balloon the size of the Empire State Building. By Jeffrey Benner.
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The gondola that Elson and Prescot will ride in has no sides. They will be strapped in along side of all the other equiptment for onboard experiments.QinetiQ

See related story: They'll Ride a Balloon Into Space

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Andy Elson (left) and Colin Prescot hope to reach new heights in their helium balloon.

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The balloon, the size of a skyscraper, will be made of a paper-thin polyethylene skin.

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If they reach their target altitude 25 miles above the Earth's surface they will break the previous balloon altitude...

If they reach their target altitude, 25 miles above the Earth's surface, they will break the previous balloon altitude record by over three miles.

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