DMD Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Not a good day for world records Balloon blows away free fall record bid (CNN) -- French skydiver Michel Fournier's bid for a record-breaking parachute jump from Earth's stratosphere was aborted Tuesday when the balloon that was to carry him into the far reaches of the sky slipped away from his flight crew. Michel Fournier tests his equipment a few days before his attempt to break four world records. The former paratrooper had hoped to set new records for the highest jump, fastest free fall, longest free fall and the highest altitude reached by a man in a balloon. But those hopes drifted away over the plains of Saskatchewan when the balloon escaped. Still clad in his bright yellow pressure suit, the visibly frustrated Fournier waved away cameras after his ride slipped away shortly after 5 a.m. (7 a.m. ET). There was no immediate word on how the effort was botched, but his flight crew was attempting to recover the balloon, according to his official Web site. Fournier, 64, planned to start his "Big Jump" at 40 kilometers (25 miles) above the Earth's surface and land safely -- a risky proposition that French authorities already had barred on their territory. He later got the approval of Canadian authorities to make the attempt over sparsely populated Saskatchewan. At 19 kilometers up, if his pressure suit fail, his blood could begin to boil because of the air pressure, according to scientists who have been advising him on his mission. Should his body become exposed, he would lose consciousness and suffer brain damage within minutes. Fournier says he hopes to collect data that will help astronauts and others survive at high altitudes. He said of the mission dubbed "Le Grand Saut" (The Big Jump): "This project is a great scientific and human challenge," said Fournier. "This is my baby, my dream. I just want to realize my dream." He has spent two decades and nearly $20 million in his quest to send him to the heavens in a stratospheric balloon. According to his Web site, Fournier sold virtually all his possessions to finance the launch of this project. Tuesday's skydiving attempt comes after strong winds forced a postponement on Monday. Fournier has also had two unsuccessful jumps in 2002 and 2003. Strong winds tore his balloon the last time, but he bought a new one and the massive balloon is stronger this time around, reinforced with three layers. Fournier has more than 8,600 jumps to his name and holds the French record for the highest parachute jump at 12,000 meters (40,000 feet). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egret Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Surrender? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheikYerbuti Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 He has spent two decades and nearly $20 million in his quest to send him to the heavens in a stratospheric balloon. According to his Web site, Fournier sold virtually all his possessions to finance the launch of this project. Money well spent, I'd say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cre8tiff Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 merde Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perchoutofwater Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Money well spent, I'd say. No wonder he can't afford deodorant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peepinmofo Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Le oops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
detlef Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Idiot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtomicCEO Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Le oops? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brentastic Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 merde Nice! What about - zut alores! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 opps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo mama Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 Sacrebleu. No relation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isleseeya Posted May 27, 2008 Share Posted May 27, 2008 oops in Frencj is : Statue of Liberty bet they want that back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage Beatings Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 oops in Frencj is : Statue of Liberty bet they want that back [Monty Python] I told them we already got one. [/Monty Python] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted May 28, 2008 Share Posted May 28, 2008 That's an awfully expensive funeral, but hey...at least they won't have to worry about burying him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WaterMan Posted May 29, 2008 Share Posted May 29, 2008 free health insurance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikesVikes Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Looks like a record to me. Worst return on your investment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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