An international team of balloonists will attempt to make history from northern Maine, where they will launch an expedition Wednesday night that — if successful — would be the first trans-Atlantic crossing in an open-basket hydrogen balloon.
The Atlantic Explorer, formerly known as the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer, is expected to set off from Presque Isle around 10 p.m. bound for Europe. A completed crossing would cover approximately 3,100 miles over 4-6 days.
The Atlantic Explorer’s envelope, unfurled as the support team prepares to inflate the balloon. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
A top down view of the inside of the basket of Atlantic Explorer. The white sandbags are to represent the weight of the pilots while the balloon inflates. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
A view of the inside of the Atlantic Explorer’s basket. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
A section of the balloon’s canopy signed by each member of the team supporting the flight crew. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
Crews work to inflate the balloon. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
Crews work to inflate the balloon. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
Crews work to inflate the balloon. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
Crews work to inflate the balloon. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
The Atlantic Explorer is seen from a nearby road as it inflates. Credit: Cameron Levasseur / The County
Crew members wearing headlamps dart around the basket. (Cameron | The County)
Pilot Peter Cuneo jots notes on paper during the inflation process. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
The American, United Kingdom and Explorers Club flags hang off the side of the Atlantic Explorer as it inflates. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
Atlantic Explorer sways in the wind under the stars late Wednesday night. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
Atlantic Explorer sways in the wind under the stars late Wednesday night. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
Atlantic Explorer sways in the wind under the stars late Wednesday night. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
Standing in the basket, pilot Bert Padelt sets up the balloon’s avionics. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
Standing in the basket, pilot Bert Padelt sets up the balloon’s avionics. (Cameron Levasseur | The County)
See live updates below as the flight team prepares to launch. Once in the air, the balloon can be tracked here.
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