In July 1897, Salomon August Andrée and his team of two embarked from Spitsbergen, Norway, with a well-equipped hydrogen balloon named the Örnen ('The Eagle') in an attempt to reach the North Pole. This expedition was inspired by the burgeoning interest in polar exploration and advances in science and technology at the time. Andrée was determined to prove that aerial navigation could unlock new frontiers in exploration, and the North Pole represented the ultimate challenge. With the balloon inflated and navigating gear aboard, they took off on a journey expected to be revolutionary.

The expedition consisted of Andrée, along with journalist Nils Strindberg and engineer Knut Frænkel. Their departure was met with excitement and speculation, as many followed their progress and foreboded their fate. They aimed to collect scientific observations and data throughout their journey. However, as they ascended into the Arctic sky, challenges soon unfolded, including harsh weather and navigational difficulties, raising concerns about their well-being.

Andrée and his crew managed to stay aloft for several days, achieving an altitude of over 8,000 feet and covering a significant distance. However, they would eventually face a turning point when they lost contact with the weather patterns and dropped out of the anticipated route. The quest for the North Pole, while initially promising, was met with unforeseen adversities that would change the outcome of the mission significantly.