In the enchanting realm of ballooning, where dreams soar as high as the skies themselves, Bert Padelt’s name resonates with innovation and adventure. Padelt’s
Read More / Watch
“I feel humbled and honored to fly with Bert Padelt,” Sir David Hempleman-Adams
In an insightful interview with Sitara Maruf, illustrious British explorer, aviator, and trailblazer, Sir David Hempleman-Adams, emphasized the invaluable role played by dedicated teams
Read More / Watch
Sir David Hempleman-Adams: Epic Exploits from Poles, Peaks, to Oceans and Skies
In the world of exploration and aviation, Sir David Hempleman-Adams is a pioneer and modern-day adventurer who has etched his name in the annals
Read More / Watch
Bert Padelt Talks About His Atlantic Explorer Balloon
Acclaimed US balloon manufacturer and balloonist Bert Padelt talks with Sitara Maruf about the Torabhaig Atlantic Explorer Gas Balloon which he will copilot with
Read More / Watch
Invention of the Hot Air Balloon
Joseph Montgolfière did not like school and work and was deemed worthless in life; however, he was intelligent, curious, and inventive. He and his brother Étienne invented the hot-air balloon. On 4th June 1783 in Annonay, France, the brothers launched their huge hot-air balloon which soared to 10,000 feet and flew for 10 minutes covering a distance of one-and-a-half miles. It was Joseph’s inventive genius that gave humanity its first balloon to fly humans, and their public-flying spectacle ushered in an era of manned flight. In honor of the Montgolfière’s invention and the success of the first manned flight in a Montgolfière balloon, the modern hot-air balloon is called the Montgolfière.
Read More / Watch
A Japanese War Weapon and Don Piccard’s Famous Flight
Seventy years ago, Donald Piccard, barely 21, modified the envelope of a Japanese balloon bomb for a balloon flight over Minneapolis and earned the nation’s first Free Balloon Pilot Certificate. The student pilot flew solo for two hours and 10 minutes in a paper and hydrogen balloon for the first time, creating history and reactivating the sport of ballooning in the United States. But the balloon that he flew also brought to light another interesting story–this one from its prior service as a Japanese balloon bomb!
Read More / Watch
Arctic Air: Andrée’s Balloon Flight to North Pole | New Exhibition at Balloon Museum
When the bold balloon flight of S.A. Andrée began on July 11, 1897, no one had yet reached the North Pole. There had been other attempts, all unsuccessful, but this expedition intended to fly there by balloon from Danes Island, an icy outpost at nearly the top of the world.
Read More / Watch
Balloon Museum Celebrates High-Flying Pioneers
A lot of the science and space research involving balloons also needed daring humans to fly to the edge of space, test instruments, and experience the effects of the dangerous near-space environment on human physiology. Some even lost their lives in their effort to contribute to our knowledge of space travel, astronomy, astrophysics, and human physiology at high altitudes.
Read More / WatchBritish Tourist Dies in Hot-Air Balloon Crash
South Africa–A British woman has died after being seriously injured in a hot-air balloon crash in the North West. Two other people–a four-year-old girl and her mother have also been injured. The balloon had almost landed but strong winds dragged the gondola along the ground and some passengers fell out.
Read More / Watch
Helium-filled Airship, the Largest Aircraft, Makes Historic First Flight
The world’s largest and futuristic aircraft, as tall as a nine-story building and almost the length and breadth of a football field, rose slowly but majestically over the Cardington airfield in central England at 7:40 p.m. on 17th August 2016. Filled with the safe and non-flammable gas helium, the impressive blimp-shaped airship, flew within a six-mile area…
Read More / Watch