51.   Beijing objected that the slow-moving silver balloon would have been a safety risk to other aircraft during the busy Chinese New Year holiday.

52.   Beijing objected that the slow-moving silver balloon would have been a safety risk to other aircraft during a busy holiday period.

53.   But according to Andreas Spenger, a Swiss organizer of the race, the balloon was white and had large air identification letters on both sides.

54.   Contrary to some reports, the balloon was gray and lacked identification signs, and the pilots had no route papers, the ministry said.

55.   Control center said the balloon was at least one day behind schedule.

56.   Elson and Prescot have Arctic survival gear to protect them and organizers insist the balloon is not in danger.

57.   Fossett originally planned to land in San Francisco, but since the balloon is at the mercy of winds, an exact landing point could not be predicted.

58.   Government investigators say the military helicopter pilot thought the balloon was unmanned.

59.   He originally planned to land in San Francisco, but the balloon is largely at the mercy of winds.

60.   His balloon was one of three likely to try circling the world this year.