Satellite communications continue to be a requirement for a group of people attracted to attempting record-breaking treks around the globe. Steve Fossett, who recently set a record for the longest non-stop solo flight around the world, relied on satellite communications links provided by Blue Sky Network.

The company supplied all the satellite communications capability on the Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer, the lightweight jet aircraft used by Fossett for his record-breaking flight. The primary equipment supplied by Blue Sky Network consisted of a D-1000 mobile tracking and telemetry terminal with embedded GPS. Separate voice equipment allowed Fossett to keep in touch with technical support and mission control personnel on the ground. The Blue Sky Network also provided telemetry data to mission control.

"Blue Sky Network’s satellite voice, tracking and data solution is a great operational asset for this flight in terms of safety, efficiency and peace of mind," Fossett said in a statement.

Fossett completed the longest non-stop flight in aviation history with an emergency landing in England Feb. 11 after flying 26,389 miles in about 76 hours.

Blue Sky Network also provided near real-time tracking of the flight through its Web site.

The Skyrouter interactive Web portal also provides global mapping for tracking transportation assets.

Fossett is well known for his record-breaking adventures in balloons, sailboats, gliders and powered aircraft, and this was not the first time that Blue Sky Network and Fossett had teamed up. In February 2005, Blue Sky Network supplied the Iridium D-1000 satellite terminal and a voice channel on Fossett’s first solo, non-stop flight around the world. The equipment transmitted more than 4,000 consecutive transition reports over 60 hours without failure.

"Once again, we are pleased to be part of Steve Fossett’s pursuit of history-making feats," said Jon Gilbert, president and CEO of Blue Sky Network. "This Virgin Atlantic Globalflyer flight is another great opportunity to showcase the global coverage and strong features of the D-1000 and Skyrouter Web portal."