Millionaire balloons around the world

American adventurer Steve Fossett drifted into aviation history today when he became the first man to fly a balloon solo around the world.

Flying through the darkness over the ocean south of Australia in his silvery Spirit of Freedom balloon, Fossett crossed east of 117 degrees longitude, the line from which he set off two weeks ago.

The Chicago investment millionaire covered more than 19,263 miles on the trip, finally succeeding in his sixth attempt at the record.

‘‘Steve has crossed the finishing line,’’ said mission controller Joe Ritchie.

Speaking by satellite telephone, a calm sounding Fossett said: ‘‘It is a wonderful time for me.’’

By flying closer to the South Pole, Fossett took a short cut around the world - the direct distance around the Equator is 24,902 miles.