Adventurer launches round-the-world balloon attempt

Adventurer Steve Fossett has launched his latest solo round-the-world balloon trip from near Perth, Australia.

The American's silver balloon rose over the western farming town of Northam after a long delay caused by surface winds.

Fossett, wearing a helmet and parachute, looked relaxed and confident as he climbed into his capsule ahead of takeoff.

Hundreds of spectators cheered as the 58-year-old tycoon's balloon, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom, left the ground in his sixth attempt to become the first person to fly solo around the world in a balloon.

Fossett lifted off at 9.37am local time (1.37am Irish time) according to his mission control at Washington University in St Louis.

He had been planning to take off around dawn but surface wind delayed the four-hour process of inflating his hot air and helium-filled balloon.

Desperate to get their man airborne, his launch team even set up six big fans close to the balloon in an attempt to counteract the wind.

Even a slight gust can topple the Chicago millionaire's 42-metre high balloon and possibly rip it open, ending the attempt before it begins.

Despite his long list of previous failures, Fossett said he was feeling good about his chances.

He stated: "I suppose I had confidence in other flights and I believed we were well prepared, but this time they've solved all the problems we've had in previous flights."