American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's balloon floats at
19,500 feet, (5,486 meters) south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 19
June, 2002. Light winds had delayed the launch of the balloon on
Tuesday night, but he successfully launched at around midday on
Wednesday in his sixth attempt to circumnavigate the globe solo in a
hot-air balloon, one of aviation's last unaccomplished feats.
REUTERS/Trevor Collens/POOL

TWC/JS 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's balloon floats at
19,500 feet, (5,486 meters) south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 19
June, 2002. Light winds had delayed the launch of the balloon on
Tuesday night, but he successfully launched at around midday on
Wednesday in his sixth attempt to circumnavigate the globe solo in a
hot-air balloon, one of aviation's last unaccomplished feats.
REUTERS/Trevor Collens/POOL

TWC/JS 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's balloon floats at
19,500 feet, (5,486 meters) south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 19
June, 2002. Light winds had delayed the launch of the balloon on
Tuesday night, but he successfully launched at around midday on
Wednesday in his sixth attempt to circumnavigate the globe solo in a
hot-air balloon, one of aviation's last unaccomplished feats.
REUTERS/Trevor Collens/POOL

TWC/JS 

"SKIMPY" BARMAID NIKKI WELCOMES CUSTOMERS TO THE WILD WEST SALOON AT THE EXCHANGE HOTEL IN KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


"Skimpy" barmaid Nikki from Queensland poses behind batwing doors of the Wild West Saloon in Kalgoorlie's Exchange Hotel before an evening shift. Tourism industry chiefs who want to clean up the city's wicked redneck image are at odds with people who are in favour of the city bars where customers can be served by scantily-clad barmaids known as "skimpies" who, they claim, are part of Kalgoorlie's history. Picture taken 7 June, 2001. 

"SKIMPY" BARMAID NIKKI WITH CUSTOMERS AT WILD WEST SALOON IN THE EXCHANGE HOTEL AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


"Skimpy" barmaid Nikki from Queensland, is pictured pouring beers during her shift behind the bar of the Wild West Saloon in Kalgoorlie's Exchange Hotel as patroons look on. Tourism industry chiefs who want to clean up the city's wicked redneck image are at odds with people who are in favour of the city bars where customers can be served by scantily-clad barmaids known as "skimpies" who, they claim, are part of Kalgoorlie's history. Picture taken 7 June, 2001. 

Ground crew begin to fill the balloon of American adventurer Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit during final launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. Fossett is making his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit balloon flies out of control over the gondola during inflation at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. The balloon was ripped, and gas bottles dislodged when gusts of wind overtook the balloon, halting Fossett's third attempt at a solo circumnavigation around the Earth. 

STEVE FOSSETT GROUND CREW CARRY BALLOON BAG DURING PACKING UP OPERATIONS AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Ground crew of Steve Fossett's SoloSpirit remove a bag containing part of the balloon during packing up operations at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fosset's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year after his balloon was severely damaged by a wind gust during launch preparations on June 17, 2001. 

STEVE FOSSETT PASSES PART OF DAMAGED BALLOON DURING PACKING UP OPERATIONS AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett walks past part of his Solo Spirit balloon during packing up operations at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fosset's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year after his balloon was severely damaged by a wind gust during launch preparations on June 17, 2001. 

Steve Fossett's ground crew roll up part of the Solo Spirit balloon during packing up operations at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fosset's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year after his balloon was severely damaged by a wind gust during launch preparations.

WB/PB 

STEVE FOSSETT'S SOLO SPIRIT GROUND CREW ROLL UP BALLOON AS PRIVATE PLANE PASSES AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Steve Fossett's launch crew members Bob McCluskey (L) and John Lippert (R) roll up part of the Solo Spirit balloon as a pilot of a light plane passes them during packing up operations at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fosset's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year after his balloon was severely damaged by a wind gust during launch preparations June 17, 2001. 

STEVE FOSSETT TALKS WITH PROJECT SYSTEMS DIRECTOR BERT PADELT AFTER RIPPED BALLOON ENDS SOLO CIRCUMNAVIGATION BID AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett (L) talks with systems director Bert Padelt (R) at Kalgoorlie airport after Fossett's balloon Solo Spirit was damaged by wind gusts during launch preparations June 18, 2001. As a result of damage to the balloon which needs professional repairs, Fossett's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year. 

Inflation director John Kugler lies on a segment of the Solo Spirit balloon as other crew fold it during packing up operations at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fosset's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year after his balloon was severely damaged by a wind gust during launch preparations.

WB/PB 

STEVE FOSSETT TALKS WITH PROJECT MANAGER TIM COLE AFTER RIPPED BALLOON ENDS SOLO CIRCUMNAVIGATION BID AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett (R) talks with project manager Tim Cole (L) at Kalgoorlie airport after Fossett's balloon Solo Spirit was damaged by wind gusts during launch preparations June 18, 2001. As a result of damage to the balloon which needs professional repairs, Fossett's attempt at a solo circumnavigation of the Earth is on hold until next year. 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett passes the ruins of his Solo Spirit balloon after it ripped during inflation at Kalgoorlie airport June 18, 2001. Fossett's hopes of being the first balloonist to circumnavigate the Earth by balloon were dashed after a wind gust tore the balloon, which will be sent to Bristol in Britain for professional repair before Fossett makes another attempt next year.

WB/CRB 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, walks in front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks after a news conference at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations are completed for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett on Sunday is making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, talks during his last news conference in front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett on Sunday making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, waves to supporters from the front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks after his last news conference at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett is on Sunday making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

AMERICAN BALLOONIST STEVE FOSSETT WITH AN AUSTRALIAN FLAG BEFORE HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett (L) shows an Australian flag presented by local politician Matt Birney (C) and Kalgoorlie mayor Paul Robson after a news conference before the final launch preparations are completed for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett on Sunday is making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

AMERICAN BALLOONIST STEVE FOSSETT WALKS IN FRONT OF HIS SOLO SPIRIT GONDOLA PRIOR TO FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, walks in front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks after a news conference at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations are completed for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett on Sunday is making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

AMERICAN BALLOONIST STEVE FOSSETT TALKS DURING HIS LAST NEWS CONFERENCE BEFORE HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT IN KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, talks during his last news conference in front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett on Sunday making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

AMERICAN BALLOONIST STEVE FOSSETT WAVES PRIOR TO FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, waves to supporters from the front of his Solo Spirit gondola which is surrounded by gas tanks after his last news conference at Kalgoorlie airport before final launch preparations for his solo around-the-world ballooning attempt June 17, 2001. Fossett is on Sunday making a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT AND PROJECT DIRECTOR TIM COLE HOLD NEWS CONFERENCE AFTER BALLOON LAUNCH FAILS AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT.


Steve Fossett (L) reacts to a question during a news conference as project manager Tim Cole (R) stands by after Fossett's Solo Spirit balloon ripped during a gust of wind, which ended flight hopes at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. The balloon, 50 metres long, will be sent to Bristol in Britain for professional repair before Fossett makes another attempt to be the first solo balloon pilot to circumnavigate the Earth next year. 

STEVE FOSSETT BALLOON CRASHES DURING INFLATION AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit balloon flies out of control over the gondola during inflation at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. The balloon was ripped, and gas bottles dislodged when gusts of wind overtook the balloon, halting Fossett's third attempt at a solo circumnavigation around the Earth. 

STEVE FOSSETT BALLOON CRASHES DURING INFLATION AT KALGOORLIE AIRPORT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


A member of Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit crew looks at the tilted gas cylinders surrounded the gondola after the balloon balloon flew out of control, ripped and ended launching hopes at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 20011. Fossett was attempting to set a record for a solo circumnavigation of the Earth. 

GROUND CREW FILL BALLOON FOR STEVE FOSSETT'S SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON RECORD ATTEMPT IN KALGOORLIE AUSTRALIA.


Ground crew begin to fill the balloon of American adventurer Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit during final launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. Fossett is making his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

AMERICAN BALLOONIST STEVE FOSSETT PASSES PART OF HIS 140-FOOT-TALL BALLOON DURING PRE-LAUNCH ACTIVITY AT KALGOORLIE.


American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, 57, walks past part of his 140-foot-tall balloon Solo Spirit during pre-launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. The balloon will house 450,000 cubic feet of helium as Fossett makes a third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

Inflation director John Kugler (2nd-R), systems director John Padelt (R) and Launchmaster Dennis Brown check part of the 50-metre-tall balloon of Steve Fossett's Solo Spirit during pre-launch checks at Kalgoorlie airport June 17, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie later on Sunday or in the early hours of Monday in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon.

WB/CP 

Solo Spirit Launch crewmembers unfold part of the 50-metre tall balloon designed to carry American millionaire balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett poses in his Solo Spirit gondola at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett climbs into his Solo Spirit gondola during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett poses with his Solo Spirit gondola at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT CLIMBS INTO HIS SOLO SPIRIT GONDOLA DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS FOR HIS THIRD ATTEMPT AT A SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON FLIGHT.


American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett climbs into his Solo Spirit gondola during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT POSES WITH HIS SOLO SPIRIT GONDOLA AHEAD OF LAUNCH FOR ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT IN KALGOORLIE.


American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett poses in his Solo Spirit gondola at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT PICTURED DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS FOR HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett is pictured standing in the hatch of his Solo Spirit gondola during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT PICTURED DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS FOR HIS SOLO ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT AT KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American millionaire balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett is pictured during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT HELPS SOLO SPIRIT LAUNCH CREW CHECK GAS CELL OF HIS BALLOON DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS IN KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


American milllionaire balloonist Steve Fossett (R) helps volunteers and Solo Spirit Launch crewmembers carry the gas cell during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 16, 2001. The gas cell is part of a 50 metre tall balloon designed to carry Fossett on his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT POSES WITH HIS SOLO SPIRIT GONDOLA AHEAD OF LAUNCH FOR ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT IN KALGOORLIE.


American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett poses in his Solo Spirit gondola at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT SOLO SPIRIT LAUNCH CREW CHECK BALLOON DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS IN KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Solo Spirit Launch crewmembers unfold part of the 50-metre tall balloon designed to carry American millionaire balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT SOLO SPIRIT LAUNCH CREW CHECK BALLOON DURING LAUNCH PREPARATIONS IN KALGOORLIE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Assistant launch director Burt Padelt (L) confers with launch crewmember John Lippert as they inspect the balloon during launch preparations at Kalgoorlie airport June 16, 2001. Fossett's Citation-10 jet can be seen in the background. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

STEVE FOSSETT POSES WITH HIS SOLO SPIRIT GONDOLA AHEAD OF LAUNCH FOR ROUND-THE-WORLD BALLOON ATTEMPT IN KALGOORLIE.


American balloonist adventurer Steve Fossett poses with his Solo Spirit gondola at Kalgoorlie airport in Western Australia June 16, 2001. Fossett plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June 17, 2001 in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. 

Picture shows the "Holden-on-room" where the bed is a mock-up of an Australian-made made vintage Holden motor car in Langtrees 181, Kalgoorlie's premier brothel in outback Western Australia. The room, which is one of several theme rooms, is on the agenda of regular brothel tours patronised by tourists visiting the gold mining town. But tourism and industry chiefs of the outback mining town who want to clean up its wicked redneck image and promote its turn-of-the-century architecture, are pitted against others who believe "skimpies" and world-renowned brothels are its sole claim to fame. Picture taken June 6, 2001. 

Former prostitute and now brothel tour guide Scotty who descibes herself as the "Sexy Supergran", poses outside Langtrees 181, Kalgoorlie's premier brothel after a tour of the establishment. Tourism and industry chiefs of the outback mining town who want to clean up its wicked redneck image and promote its turn-of-the-century architecture, are pitted against others who believe "skimpies" and world-renowned brothels are its sole claim to fame. Picture taken June 6, 2001. 

"Skimpy" barmaid Nikki from Queensland poses behind batwing doors of the Wild West Saloon in Kalgoorlie's Exchange Hotel before an evening shift. Tourism industry chiefs who want to clean up the city's wicked redneck image are at odds with people who are in favour of the city bars where customers can be served by scantily-clad barmaids known as "skimpies" who, they claim, are part of Kalgoorlie's history. Picture taken 7 June, 2001. 

"Skimpy" barmaid Nikki from Queensland, is pictured pouring beers during her shift behind the bar of the Wild West Saloon in Kalgoorlie's Exchange Hotel as patroons look on. Tourism industry chiefs who want to clean up the city's wicked redneck image are at odds with people who are in favour of the city bars where customers can be served by scantily-clad barmaids known as "skimpies" who, they claim, are part of Kalgoorlie's history. Picture taken 7 June, 2001. 

RING KEEPER PREPARES TO PULL THE PLUG AT AUSTRALIA'S ONLY LEGALISED BUSH TWO UP SCHOOL NEAR KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Ring keeper John prepares to turn out the light after an evening game at Australia's only legalised bush two up school near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia June 10, 2001. The unique game, which can be traced back to convicts, sees a tosser (spinner) of two pennies bet against the ringkeeper by trying to get the coins to land "heads". The game is played every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday but its popularity is dwindling forcing the operators to consider a city venue instead of the bushland setting. 

The ring at Australia's only legalised bush two up school in the bush near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia is seen June 10, 2001. The unique game, which can be traced back to convicts, sees a tosser (spinner) of two pennies bet against the ringkeeper by trying to get the coins to land "heads". The game is played every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday but its popularity is dwindling forcing the operators to consider a city venue instead of the bushland setting.

WB/CP 

The ring at Australia's only legalised bush two up school near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia is seen June 10, 2001. The unique game, which can be traced back to convicts, sees a tosser (spinner) of two pennies bet against the ringkeeper by trying to get the coins to land "heads". The game is played every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday but its popularity is dwindling forcing the operators to consider a city venue instead of the bushland setting.

WB/CP 

RING KEEPER WATCHES A SPINNER PLAY AT AUSTRALIA'S ONLY LEGALISED BUSH TWO UP SCHOOL NEAR KALGOORLIE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Ring keeper John (2nd left) watches a spinner (R) throw pennies as a small group of people look on during an evening game at Australia's only legalised bush two up school near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia June 10, 2001. The unique game, which can be traced back to convicts, sees a tosser (spinner) of two pennies bet against the ringkeeper by trying to get the coins to land "heads". The game is played every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday but its popularity is dwindling forcing the operators to consider a city venue instead of the bushland setting. 

Mounted policemen constables Kevin McDonnell (L) and David Egan (R) patrol the main street of Kalgoorlie June 7, 2001. The mounted police will carry out frequent patrols of the city in a move that has angered some locals who say the police minister, in a pre-election promise, said there would be a permanent Mounted Police Unit in the city. The police minister has decided with the police commissioner on more cost-effective regular patrols.

WB/PB 

HOLDEN-ON-ROOM WHERE THE BED IS A MOCK OF A HOLDEN CAR IN KALGOORLIE'S PREMIER BROTHEL, LANGTREES 181 IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Picture shows the "Holden-on-room" where the bed is a mock-up of an Australian-made made vintage Holden motor car in Langtrees 181, Kalgoorlie's premier brothel in outback Western Australia. The room, which is one of several theme rooms, is on the agenda of regular brothel tours patronised by tourists visiting the gold mining town. But tourism and industry chiefs of the outback mining town who want to clean up its wicked redneck image and promote its turn-of-the-century architecture, are pitted against others who believe "skimpies" and world-renowned brothels are its sole claim to fame. Picture taken June 6, 2001. 

FORMER PROSTITUTE AND CURRENT BROTHEL TOUR GUIDE SCOTTY THE SEXY SUPER GRAN POSES OUTSIDE KALGOORLIE'S PREMIER BROTHEL IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.


Former prostitute and now brothel tour guide Scotty who descibes herself as the "Sexy Supergran", poses outside Langtrees 181, Kalgoorlie's premier brothel after a tour of the establishment. Tourism and industry chiefs of the outback mining town who want to clean up its wicked redneck image and promote its turn-of-the-century architecture, are pitted against others who believe "skimpies" and world-renowned brothels are its sole claim to fame. Picture taken June 6, 2001. 

Politician Graeme Campbell makes a point during an interview in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia June 5, 2001. Campbell said he was in favour of measures to turn back illeagal immigrants before they set foot on Australian soil and supported detention for those who made it to shore. 

Launcher Bob Ross sits on part of the packed balloon of American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit" in a hangar at Kalgoorlie airport after another weather delay in western Australia June 5, 2001. Fossett, yet to arrive in Australia, plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. Fossett's previous attempt ended in August 1998 when a thunderstorm ruptured his balloon and he survived a plunge of 8500 metres into the Coral Sea.

WB/CP 

Launch engineer Andy Elson exits the gondola below the six burner unit of American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit" in a hangar at Kalgoorlie airport after another weather delay in western Australia June 5, 2001. Fossett, yet to arrive in Australia, plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. Fossett's previous attempt ended in August 1998 when a thunderstorm ruptured his balloon and he survived a plunge of 8500 metres into the Coral Sea.

WB/CP 

Crew members gather around the gondola of American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit" in a hangar at Kalgoorlie airport in western Australia June 5, 2001. Fossett, yet to arrive in Australia, plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. Fossett's previous attempt ended in August 1998 when a thunderstorm ruptured his balloon and he survived a plunge of 8500 metres into the Coral Sea.

WB/CP 

Launch master Dennis Brown stands near the gondola of American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit" in a hangar at Kalgoorlie airport in western Australia June 5, 2001. Fossett, yet to arrive in Australia, plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. Fossett's previous attempt ended in August 1998 when a thunderstorm ruptured his balloon and he survived a plunge of 8500 metres into the Coral Sea.

WB/CP 

Launch master Tim Cole stands near the gondola of American millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett's "Solo Spirit" in a hangar at Kalgoorlie airport after another weather delay in western Australia June 5, 2001. Fossett, yet to arrive in Australia, plans to take off from Kalgoorlie in June in his third attempt to complete the first solo circumnavigation of the Earth by balloon. Fossett's previous attempt ended in August 1998 when a thunderstorm ruptured his balloon and he survived a plunge of 8500 metres into the Coral Sea.

WB/CP 

Politician Graeme Campbell makes a point during an interview in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia June 5, 2001. Campbell said he was in favour of measures to turn back illeagal immigrants before they set foot on Australian soil and supported detention for those who made it to shore.

WB/CP 

Aboriginal teenagers play basketball on Morapoi Station flying both the Aboriginal and Australian flags, at Kookynie north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia June 4, 2001. The station, home to Wongatha People, is playing host to Aborigines who have been displaced by widespread flooding in the outback over the last few months.

WB/CP