Could You Break the Record for an Around-the-World Balloon Flight?
ES1908  First Successful Nonstop Balloon Flight around the World

On Saturday, March 20, 1999, the Breitling Orbiter 3 balloon, piloted by Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard, became the first balloon to fly nonstop around the world.


© Breitling
March 1, 1999: Breitling Orbiter 3 begins its history-making, nonstop flight around the world from Chateau d'Oex, Switzerland.

© Breitling
Breitling Orbiter 3 over the Swiss Alps.

© Breitling
March 21, 1999: Breitling Orbiter 3 lands near Dakhla Oasis, Egypt after successfully flying around the world.

Breitling Orbiter 3 Records

Round-the-World

  • Distance: 42,810 km (26,600 mi)

  • Time: 19 days, 1 hour, 49 minutes

Total Flight

  • Distance: 45,755 km (28,431 mi)

  • Duration: 19 days, 21 hours, 55 minutes

While many factors contributed to this record-breaking flight, the key to its success was a detailed knowledge of Earth's weather and weather patterns, particularly jet streams. 



	

 	

		
			
	

	
	

		 
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