QinetiQ 1

QinetiQ 1 - the Edge of Space.

In 2002, I teamed up once again with Andy Elson to assist in his and Colin Prescot's attempt at a new ballooning altitude record. The Qinetiq 1 project aims to fly a huge helium balloon to 132,000ft, beating the current 40 year old record, set by NASA during the Mercury space missions, by more than 18,000ft. Andy flew with Bertrand Piccard aboard Breitling Orbiter 2, and with Colin on the Cable and Wireless round the world balloon attempt. My role is that of Mission Control Director. Unfortunately, the first attempt ended in failure when a seam ruptured at the top of the balloon - one of those foolish little mistakes that often haunt a high-tech project such as this. It is hard to say when another attempt is likely to take place, but the ideas and the technology are still in place, so all we need is the money .....