He made several experiments at steering by means of a guide-rope and a sail, and came to the conclusion that it would be possible to direct the course of the balloon even while keeping it at a low altitude.
Thereupon, early in 1895, Andrée presented to the Academy of Sciences a well matured project for exploring the regions of the North Pole with the aid of a balloon; the start was to be made from Spitzbergen, where the inflation of the balloon was to be effected. The estimated cost amounted to about £7,177.
A National subscription was opened, which was completed in a few days by four generous donors.
Mr. A. Nobel, of lamented memory, subscribed £3,588.
The King of Sweden, wishing to show the interest taken by him in the expedition, gave £1,656.
Baron Dickson, well known for his liberality, also gave £1,656.
The sum was completed by Mr. R. Lamm and some other donors.
Mr. R. Lamm, moreover, undertook to supply all the mechanical part of the various apparatus.
Having once settled the financial aspect of the question, Andrée made several journeys all over Europe, in order to obtain personal interviews with foreign scientific celebrities and gain them over to his views concerning this bold enterprise. He visited, one by one, the aeronautical establishments, procuring at the same time samples of the tissues employed, and obtaining the opinions of various constructors.