On NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility Richard Branson left talks with Steve Fossett.

On NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility, Sir Richard Branson (left), chairman and founder of Virgin Atlantic, talks with Steve Fossett. They are standing next to the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer aircraft, which Fossett will pilot on a record-breaking attempt by flying solo, non-stop without refueling, to surpass the current record for the longest flight of any aircraft. Fossett is expected to take off from the Shuttle Landing Facility early Tuesday morning. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller