North As Predicted
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JUNE 25, 2002, 2:00 a.m. CDT (JUNE 25, 2002, 07:00
UTC) - - Currently, Steve Fossett in the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
balloon is attempting to maneuver through the pitch black skies of the
Pacific Ocean to stay on track with the jet stream that should carry him
north of a brewing low pressure system to his east. Recently, Fossett's
heading has begun to turn in the predicted direction, causing the balloon
to make a turn to the north. Fossett will continue north until clear of the
weather system before finally turning east again to bring Bud Light Spirit
of Freedom over the Western Coast of Chile.
According to the most recent position report, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
is located at 50 degrees south latitude and 97 degrees west longitude. The
balloon is flying at a speed of 47.6 miles per hour (76.6 kilometers per
hour) at an altitude of 22,500 feet (6,858 meters) and its heading is 76
degrees.
coming up for the half way mark