American adventurer Steve Fossett (L) and Perlan Project team leader
Einar Enevoldson study a map of the local terrain before a
familiarisation flight in a fixed wing aircraft in Omarama July 23,
2002. The Perlan Project aim's to take a German DG505 glider past the
existing record of 14,938 m (48,996 feet), through severe turbulence
and extreme temperatures to 18,288 m (60,000 feet). If the mission
succeeds, a pressurised sailplane will be built in an attempt to reach
30,000m (100,000 feet), on the edges of space. REUTERS/Simon Baker

SB/RCS