Steve Fossett circles the globe in a balloon

SLP2002070203- ST. LOUIS, July 2 (UPI) -- Joe Ritchie, Mission Control Director for balloonist Steve Fossett (R) talks with Fossett by speakerphone after Fossett completed his solo trip around the globe in a balloon, during a press conference at Washington University in St. Louis on July 2, 2002. Sitting with Ritchie is Systems Director Bert Padelt. mk/bg/Bill Greenblatt UPI