U.S. adventurer Steve Fossett is (L) helped into his glider by
technician Mike Todd before his world altitude record attempt in
Omarama August 10, 2002. Fossett is attempting to take a German DG505
glider past the existing record of 14,938 metres (48,996 feet), through
severe turbulence and extreme temperatures to 18,288 metres (60,000
feet). If the mission succeeds, a pressurised sailplane will be built
to attempt reaching about 30,000 metres (100,000 feet), on the edges of
space. REUTERS/Simon Baker

SB/RCS