SAT写作素材分享(三)Adventurer Fossett launches solo balloon trip
The giant high-altitude balloon, bathed in the deserts golden morning light, drifted slowly into the sky above Northam, a small mining town 100 km east of Perth, just after 7.00 a.m. .
Fossett had delayed inflating the aircraft for six and a half hours due to unfavourable winds, but with time running out before the arrival of the mornings hot thermals, he gave the order to fill the balloon with helium for a dawn launch.
Fossett waved to around 100 townsfolk as he entered the capsule for an eastward circumnavigation that he expects will take 15 days.
I am a bit nervous about the first night, Fossett said before take-off.
On the first night I will find out if everything works, if there are any leaks in the balloon, if there are any failures in communications and if the all-important heating works, he said.
The millionaire former stockbroker has made a series of failed attempts to fly solo in a balloon around the world.
The last attempt to inflate the giant balloon for a launch on June 17 from the Australian gold mining town of Kalgoorlie ended in disaster when a freak wind tore it apart.
Fossetts fourth solo bid ended in near disaster in 1998, when a thunderstorm off Australias northeastern coast shredded his canopy and sent him plummeting 29,000 feet into the Coral Sea. He was unhurt.
This year Fossett, 57, decided to launch in western Australia, some 600 km from the Indian Ocean, to have a better chance of avoiding thunderstorms in the South Pacific and gain time to detect problems while still over land.
US shoppers flock to stores searching for bargains
国内英语资讯:CPC key documents stress strict Party governance
Adobe Houses A Defining Face of New Mexico
Retailers Gear Up for Shopping Season
Washington Eyes Aviation Security
Paris Attacks Raise Questions About US Security
国内英语资讯:Xis core status is consensus of CPC: official
Obama Address Highlights Intensified Security Debate
国际英语资讯:Indonesia to monitor dozens of militants back home after joining IS in Iraq
Researchers Seek Ways to Help Damaged Brains Heal
国内英语资讯:Xi congratulates new president of Seychelles
Clinton Leads Democratic Camp
国内英语资讯:Xi stresses S&T innovation in medical sciences
Russia Sanctions Turkey as Syria Coalition Efforts Fizzle
Test Tube Pups May Help Rescue Endangered Species
双语食谱:10款简单又健康的早餐单品!
国内英语资讯:Spotlight: Overseas observers praise CPCs resolve to strictly govern party
中印关系大发展 龙象共舞大跨越
Advanced Technology Turns 'Air Guitar' Into Real Instrument
How Military Research Finds Its Way to Everyday Life
'Green' Way to Charge Phones
More Steps Toward 'Smart Everything'
杭州包子美国开分店 20元一个在哈佛卖疯了!
Whisky Byproducts, the Next Car Fuel?
Microscope Brings Tiny Worlds Closer
国际英语资讯:UN chief slams deadly attack on Syrian school
Migrant Crisis Poses Unprecedented Challenge for Europe
Paris Attacks Reminder of Threat of Returning Jihadis
Robot for Treasure Hunt
Republican Lawmaker: Obama Has Downplayed IS Threat