North Battleford, Saskatchewan - May 28, 2008 — Michel Fournier hoped to set a world freefall record Tuesday. Instead, all the 64-year-old former paratrooper did was get frustrated — again.
As Fournier prepared for his record-breaking "le Grand Saut" or "Super Jump,” the helium balloon that was to carry him nearly 25 miles or 130,000 feet into the stratosphere floated off without him as it separated from its gondola on the ground, the Associated Press reported.
The balloon, said to cost $200,000, is no longer usable, Canadian media reported.
The New York Times reported that Fournier has spent two decades and nearly $20 million, even selling his home, in his quest for the world record.
It was the latest setback for Fournier, whose attempt was postponed on Monday because of weather. Past attempts in 2002 and 2003 were also unsuccessful when wind gusts shredded his balloon before it became airborne.
Fournier hoped to break the record for the fastest and longest free fall, the highest parachute jump and the highest balloon flight. He also hoped to bring back data that will help astronauts and others survive in the highest of altitudes.
The official world freefall record was set in 1962, when Roger Eugene Andreyev jumped from 80,324 feet, or about 24,480 meters. In 1960, US Air Force Captain Joseph Kittinger jumped from an altitude of 102,800 feet, but it wasn’t considered a true freefall since he was stabilized with a small parachute during the descent.
Fournier has completed more than 8,500 parachute jumps and took part in a rigorous training program of running, weight lifting and yoga to help him prepare for this attempt.
The World Series stays in the United States for the third round of the 10-race season. The next race takes place in Detroit, Michigan on May 31 and June 1.
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French skydiver Michel Fournier points skyward at his helium balloon that lifted off without him. (AFP/David Boily)
Michael Fournier's balloon floats away without its gondola.
Photo credit: Michael Fournier
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