Our Name

Orbiter 3 took its name from inventor/adventurer Bertrand Piccard.

In 1999, Piccard accomplished the first non-stop balloon flight around the globe in his craft, the Breitling Orbiter 3. Setting off with very limited fuel, Piccard and his crewmate Brian Jones depended largely on air currents and natural weather patterns to propel the craft. When they landed after 19 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes of flight, they were astounded to discover that only two hours worth of fuel remained -- they had made it by the skin of their teeth. Piccard's reaction was to declare that next time, he would set off with no fuel whatsoever.

In 2015, Piccard is scheduled to attempt the first round-the-world solar-powered flight in history. He is truly an inspiration to those of us who aspire to great feats of imagination and sustainability.

Orbiter 3 wishes to explore new ways of producing art that do not rely on old, unwieldy models, but rather, create a cooperative and innovative way for playwrights to support each other, reach new audiences, and see our boldest work onstage.