Three Men and a Balloon

October 15, 1996
55 min
Season 24 - Episode 3: Three Men and a Balloon

Season 24 - Episode 3: Three Men and a Balloon

NOVA - Backdrop

Overview

One of the final aeronautics challenges left in the world today does not involve the use of a plane, a rocket, or even an engine. No one has yet been able to circumnavigate the earth in a balloon. Any team attempting the feat would have to fly higher than most planes ever fly and would need a passenger capsule that could both offer protection from extreme cold and carry the proper navigation and life support equipment. Depending on the powerful jet stream to propel them, crew members would have to plot their course carefully and plan their schedule to coincide with the most advantageous winds. Even landing would be a risky venture. This program follows a team of three adventurers as they attempt to make just such a journey.

Episode Information

TV Show

NOVA

Season

Season 24

Episode Number

3

Air Date

October 15, 1996

Runtime

55 minutes