Indian business tycoon Vijaypat Singhania has set a new world altitude record for the highest flight in a hot air balloon, nearly touching the edge of outer space.
The 67-year-old amateur aviator reportedly reached an altitude of about 21,336 meters Saturday, taking off in his pressurized aluminum capsule from the western city of Mumbai (also known as Bombay).
After the nearly five-hour flight, he landed in western Maharashtra state, about 200-kilometers north of his starting point. The record-breaking trip was carried live on national Indian television.
British aviation expert Colin Prescot said officials from the Aeronautical Club of India will submit a report to the international body in Switzerland, which certifies international aviation records.
The previous world record was 19,811 meters set by Sweden's Per Lindstrand in 1988.