Round-the-world: Russian traveler to set off on solo record-breaking balloon flight

After many years of serious preparations, the journey of Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov is about to start. All he needs now is a weather window to set off from Australia on a record-breaking non-stop solo flight round the world on a giant balloon. RT will give you first-hand panoramic views via the RT 360 online project.

If Fedor Konyukhov succeeds, he will be the first person to make this journey in less than 15 days on one attempt.  The pioneer round the globe balloon traveler was Steve Fossett, who managed the feat on his sixth attempt in 2002. It took him more than 13 days to finish the trip.

READ MORE: Two weeks at 11,000 meters: Russian adventurer ready for solo balloon flight world record