THE ATTEMPT TO SET A NEW ALTITUDE RECORD FOR A SOLAR-HEATED HOT AIR BALLOON ENDED ABOUT 90 MINUTES AFTER LIFTOFF WEDNESDAY MORNING. THE BALLOON LAUNCHED FROM BALLOON FIESTA PARK IN ALBUQUERQUE.
WE’VE LEARNED THAT THE BALLOON REACHED AN ALTITUDE OF AROUND 25-THOUSAND FEET, THEN BEGAN TO DESCEND. THE ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL REPORTS IT CAME DOWN ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE SANDIAS, SOUTHEAST OF PLACITAS.
THE ORGANIZERS SAY THEY HAD HOPED TO REACH AN ALTITUDE OF 75-THOUSAND FEET TO SET A NEW RECORD. THIS WAS THE SECOND ATTEMPT AT SETTING A NEW RECORD.
