With a volume of 74,000 m3 (2,600,000 ft3), the balloon envelope was the largest ever built for a hot air craft.

Suspended from the balloon envelope was a 32 inch by 24 inch balloon gondola.

With a volume of 74 thousand cubic meters (2.6 million cubic feet), the balloon envelope was the largest ever built for a hot air craft.

However, nearing the current record height, the balloon envelope ruptured, sending the gondola plunging to earth.

Parts of the balloon envelope will be kept in Switzerland.

The second stage commences by launching the suborbital vehicle vertically, through the very thin balloon envelope.

Along with that came Lowe's undisclosed recipe for a varnish that would render the balloon envelopes leakproof.

Despite reinforcing tape that strengthens balloon envelopes, they are easily damaged by strong winds and the twisting of cables.

The payload and ballast system were not damaged, however the balloon envelope was damaged beyond repair during landing.

The balloon envelope fell 4 kilometres from the gondola and its fabric was quickly looted by local villagers.