As I write, two British balloonists are making their final preparations for an attempt on the world manned balloon altitude record. Andy Elson and Colin Prescot hope to take their balloon QinetiQ 1 to an altitude of over 130,000 feet - which at 25 miles, is half way to space by the USAF definition.
Doing this in a open platform, suspended below an enormous gasbag made of a material with the consistency of a domestic freezer-bag must require a special brand of courage. Mind you, it must be worth it for the view as you look down. I've gone to about 3000ft in a hot air balloon and that was impressive enough, but this will be in another league altogether!
Fly High, guys !