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Events on Thursday 4 July 2002 1
2002First solo balloon flight around the worldSteve Fossett completes a long-sought aviation featThe American adventurer Steve Fossett landed in Queensland, Australia, on 4 July 2002, having circled the globe alone in a helium and hot-air balloon in under 15 days. It was his sixth attempt and the first time anyone had flown a balloon solo around the world. He routed the flight through the southern hemisphere to use its steadier winds.