Transmediterranean flights, in the edge of two centuries

Abstract Transmediterranean flights take place at 40 km altitude and approximately 38°N latitude. Sixty six successful trans-mediterranean crossings have been performed in the period 19772002. A summary of system requirements, that would assure state-of-the-art stratospheric balloon flights is presented. Details of the 2002 campaign, along with a historical review of the flights corresponding to the Nineties, 2000 and 2001, are presented.