Fossett Update
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Homeward Run
At the risk of being accused of stealing Elevator's thunder (who has diligently been keeping us updated on Steve's progress).
Here is the latest. Looks like he's going to make it.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JUNE 30, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JUNE 30, 2002, 23:00 UTC) -- Steve Fossett and the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom have rounded third base and are making a run for home. That is, the last 12 hours have begun the final leg of Fossett's solo bid to circumnavigate the globe by balloon. His north-to-southeast swing over South Africa has been padded with milestones.
Mission Control received some of the most vivid multimedia yet from the Cessna Citation X chase plane, Fossett's personal jet. Close-range overhead views and distant panoramic shots show the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom aglow in the South Africa sun.
Only hours later, in the midst of a jet stream supplying winds upwards of 100 miles per hour, Fossett broke one of his own records. At 16:23 UTC, today, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Mission became the longest solo balloon flight in history in terms of total distance traveled. Fossett set the old record for longest solo balloon flight at 14,235.3 miles (22,909.53 km) in his 1998 attempt to fly solo around the world that ended in the Coral Sea.
The new record is not what is on everyone's mind, though. Off in the distance some 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) lies Fossett's true goal, the west coast of Australia. The jet stream the balloon is in now should spur Fossett toward land at up to 138 miles per hour (222.2 kilometers per hour) allowing him to reach Australia and 117 degree longitude (crossing this line will mark the successful completion of Fossett's circumnavigation) around 10:00 UTC, July 2nd. Current weather forecasts do not favor a landing in Western Australia, though. Mission Control expects Fossett to make landfall just northeast of Adelaide, Australia around 00:00 UTC, July 3.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now 30 degrees south latitude, 42 degrees east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 95.4 miles per hour (153.5 km per hour), at 25,300 feet (7,711.4 m). Fossett has traveled 15,363.5 miles (24557.3 kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia twelve days ago.
Here is the latest. Looks like he's going to make it.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JUNE 30, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JUNE 30, 2002, 23:00 UTC) -- Steve Fossett and the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom have rounded third base and are making a run for home. That is, the last 12 hours have begun the final leg of Fossett's solo bid to circumnavigate the globe by balloon. His north-to-southeast swing over South Africa has been padded with milestones.
Mission Control received some of the most vivid multimedia yet from the Cessna Citation X chase plane, Fossett's personal jet. Close-range overhead views and distant panoramic shots show the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom aglow in the South Africa sun.
Only hours later, in the midst of a jet stream supplying winds upwards of 100 miles per hour, Fossett broke one of his own records. At 16:23 UTC, today, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom Mission became the longest solo balloon flight in history in terms of total distance traveled. Fossett set the old record for longest solo balloon flight at 14,235.3 miles (22,909.53 km) in his 1998 attempt to fly solo around the world that ended in the Coral Sea.
The new record is not what is on everyone's mind, though. Off in the distance some 4,000 miles (6,500 kilometers) lies Fossett's true goal, the west coast of Australia. The jet stream the balloon is in now should spur Fossett toward land at up to 138 miles per hour (222.2 kilometers per hour) allowing him to reach Australia and 117 degree longitude (crossing this line will mark the successful completion of Fossett's circumnavigation) around 10:00 UTC, July 2nd. Current weather forecasts do not favor a landing in Western Australia, though. Mission Control expects Fossett to make landfall just northeast of Adelaide, Australia around 00:00 UTC, July 3.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now 30 degrees south latitude, 42 degrees east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 95.4 miles per hour (153.5 km per hour), at 25,300 feet (7,711.4 m). Fossett has traveled 15,363.5 miles (24557.3 kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia twelve days ago.
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Nasa...you are getting picky.
none the less here is another update...and yes you are correct.
Seems Steve may well be bac this week for the landing.....waitingggggggggggggggg.....
Dusk to Dawn
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 1, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 5:00 UTC)
- - While Pilot Steve Fossett is flying the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom,
sleep usually comes in short cat naps which are few and far between. But
the clear skies, high speeds and long trip have persuaded Fossett to catch
some shuteye. Sleeping from dusk till dawn, Fossett awoke refreshed.
Following the much-needed sleep, Fossett climbed outside to change fuel
tanks and prepare for the homestretch.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 35 degrees south latitude, 58 degrees
east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 122.1 miles per hour (196.6 km
per hour), at 25,300 feet (7,711.4 m). Fossett has traveled 16,204 miles
(26,077 kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia.
none the less here is another update...and yes you are correct.
Seems Steve may well be bac this week for the landing.....waitingggggggggggggggg.....
Dusk to Dawn
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 1, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 5:00 UTC)
- - While Pilot Steve Fossett is flying the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom,
sleep usually comes in short cat naps which are few and far between. But
the clear skies, high speeds and long trip have persuaded Fossett to catch
some shuteye. Sleeping from dusk till dawn, Fossett awoke refreshed.
Following the much-needed sleep, Fossett climbed outside to change fuel
tanks and prepare for the homestretch.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 35 degrees south latitude, 58 degrees
east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 122.1 miles per hour (196.6 km
per hour), at 25,300 feet (7,711.4 m). Fossett has traveled 16,204 miles
(26,077 kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia.
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Current Telemetry
2002-07-01
07:53:40 UTC
Latitude 38° 5.23' S
Longitude 69° 13.51' E
Altitude 9448.8 m
Speed 318.8 km/hr
Heading 107.14°
Distance 27119.4 km
Duration 12 d 06:16:40
86% Complete
2002-07-01
07:53:40 UTC
Latitude 38° 5.23' S
Longitude 69° 13.51' E
Altitude 9448.8 m
Speed 318.8 km/hr
Heading 107.14°
Distance 27119.4 km
Duration 12 d 06:16:40
86% Complete
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Out Flying the Chase Plane
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 1, 2002, 2:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 7:00 UTC) -
- As Pilot Steve Fossett races across the Indian Ocean, Bud Light Spirit of
Freedom has reached peak speeds as high as 200 miles per hour (320
kilometers per hour). Now cruising at 199 miles per hour (317 kilometers
per hour), Fossett's Cessna Citation X chase plane must leave early from
Mauritius to Perth, Australia in order to catch up to the balloon.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 37 degrees south latitude, 66 degrees
east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 199 miles per hour (317 km per
hour), at 30,400 feet (9,266 m). Fossett has traveled 16,653 miles (26,800
kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia more than 12 days ago.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, July 1, 2002, 2:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 7:00 UTC) -
- As Pilot Steve Fossett races across the Indian Ocean, Bud Light Spirit of
Freedom has reached peak speeds as high as 200 miles per hour (320
kilometers per hour). Now cruising at 199 miles per hour (317 kilometers
per hour), Fossett's Cessna Citation X chase plane must leave early from
Mauritius to Perth, Australia in order to catch up to the balloon.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 37 degrees south latitude, 66 degrees
east longitude. The balloon is traveling at 199 miles per hour (317 km per
hour), at 30,400 feet (9,266 m). Fossett has traveled 16,653 miles (26,800
kilometers) since launch in Northam, Australia more than 12 days ago.
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Well and truly on the home stretch...with 95% complete and a possible landing and finish of the attempt tomorrow in South Australia. The way the track is Steve will be too far over to get back into Northam. Won't be the same to not be there for the finish.......... Anyway............................................. Hustle and Bustle - 95% of Mission Completed
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 23:00 UTC)
As news teams catch wind of the approaching conclusion to the Bud Light
Spirit of Freedom adventure, Mission Control at Washington University in
St. Louis is filling with lights, cameras, and plenty of action. The
mission is now 95% complete!
Speeding toward Australia, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon rose to
a lofty 34,700 feet (10,576.6 m) earlier today, flying above clouds and
snow flurries. Once these weather obstacles were overcome, Steve Fossett
returned to regular cruising altitudes, where he is currently aiming for
the finish stripe, at 117 degrees east longitude.
Fossett is expected to complete the circumnavigation by crossing this
longitude late tomorrow morning St. Louis time (mid-afternoon UTC) and then
land in Australia later that evening St. Louis time (very early UTC). The
projected landing conditions are ideal; forecasts suggest clear skies and
no ground level winds. With these conditions, the balloon may be able to
negotiate a gentle touchdown and might remain upright after landing.
The chase plane is hot on the tail of the balloon heading toward Australia
as well. Minor technical difficulties delayed the Cessna Citation X and
its crew in the Australian Cocos Islands this morning, but it has taken off
and is tracking right on course.
At a speed of 63 miles per hour (101 km per hour) and an altitude of 28,000
feet (8,534 meters), Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is heading at 90 degrees.
With a current position of 41 degrees south latitude, 99 degrees east
longitude, Fossett has logged a total of 18,485 miles (29,749 km).
y..............
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 6:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 1, 2002, 23:00 UTC)
As news teams catch wind of the approaching conclusion to the Bud Light
Spirit of Freedom adventure, Mission Control at Washington University in
St. Louis is filling with lights, cameras, and plenty of action. The
mission is now 95% complete!
Speeding toward Australia, the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon rose to
a lofty 34,700 feet (10,576.6 m) earlier today, flying above clouds and
snow flurries. Once these weather obstacles were overcome, Steve Fossett
returned to regular cruising altitudes, where he is currently aiming for
the finish stripe, at 117 degrees east longitude.
Fossett is expected to complete the circumnavigation by crossing this
longitude late tomorrow morning St. Louis time (mid-afternoon UTC) and then
land in Australia later that evening St. Louis time (very early UTC). The
projected landing conditions are ideal; forecasts suggest clear skies and
no ground level winds. With these conditions, the balloon may be able to
negotiate a gentle touchdown and might remain upright after landing.
The chase plane is hot on the tail of the balloon heading toward Australia
as well. Minor technical difficulties delayed the Cessna Citation X and
its crew in the Australian Cocos Islands this morning, but it has taken off
and is tracking right on course.
At a speed of 63 miles per hour (101 km per hour) and an altitude of 28,000
feet (8,534 meters), Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is heading at 90 degrees.
With a current position of 41 degrees south latitude, 99 degrees east
longitude, Fossett has logged a total of 18,485 miles (29,749 km).
y..............
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NASA....I now have the time to respond to your last post.
BUD LIGHT BEER is that. Exactly as you see it. It is also a full strengh beer, not a lite beer. I looked on one of the cans last nigh, but can't rember the exact amount, but it is about 5.4% alc/vol for memory, I could be wrong.
However the event is the BUD LIGHT SPIRIT OF FREEDOM, with spelling correct as seen.
Hope this clears things, however me thinks you take the p**s out of me.
Talk soon.
BUD LIGHT BEER is that. Exactly as you see it. It is also a full strengh beer, not a lite beer. I looked on one of the cans last nigh, but can't rember the exact amount, but it is about 5.4% alc/vol for memory, I could be wrong.
However the event is the BUD LIGHT SPIRIT OF FREEDOM, with spelling correct as seen.
Hope this clears things, however me thinks you take the p**s out of me.
Talk soon.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Elevator,
I must admit, when I read nasa's response I immediately:
a. Looked at the photos of the balloon to verify the spelling, and
b. Checked my little bottle top with the flashing red light (or is that lite?).
I shared your impression at first and thought it nothing more that a subtle wind up.
GO STEVE!
I must admit, when I read nasa's response I immediately:
a. Looked at the photos of the balloon to verify the spelling, and
b. Checked my little bottle top with the flashing red light (or is that lite?).
I shared your impression at first and thought it nothing more that a subtle wind up.
GO STEVE!
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Confused
Guys - Guys - Guys.....Me, & a windup in the same sentence......Pleeeeeease, I don't think I've been sooooo misunderstood 
I'm serious.......I know that when I'm usually looking at a Bud, it's thru bleary eyes, with a big smile, but, both Coors and Bud spell their Lite Beer as Lite Beer EVIDENCE
I'm serious.......I know that when I'm usually looking at a Bud, it's thru bleary eyes, with a big smile, but, both Coors and Bud spell their Lite Beer as Lite Beer EVIDENCE
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NASA...mate you have a place in my heart. No offence taken, just the p**s. Nice to have mate's.
Good to see everyone on the ball.. We are on the downhill slide
On The Approach - 96% of Mission Completed
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 8:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 01:00 UTC)
After a day of excitement in which Bud Light Spirit of Freedom traveled at
high speed, the balloon is on a track that will take it across the
117-degrees-east longitude line sometime within the next 24 hours.
Crossing this line will mark the first successful around-the-world solo
flight by a balloon.
The balloon and Pilot Steve Fossett are currently at 41 degrees south, 104
degrees east, traveling at 60 miles per hour (97 km per hour) at an
altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 km) and a heading of 89 degrees; the balloon
has flown 18,678 miles (30,058km).
Currently traveling at 68 miles per hour (109 km per hour) at an altitude
of 28,000 feet (8,534 km) and a heading of 87 degrees, the balloon has
flown 18,617 miles (29,961 km).
... Now you have the latest.
Good to see everyone on the ball.. We are on the downhill slide
On The Approach - 96% of Mission Completed
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 8:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 01:00 UTC)
After a day of excitement in which Bud Light Spirit of Freedom traveled at
high speed, the balloon is on a track that will take it across the
117-degrees-east longitude line sometime within the next 24 hours.
Crossing this line will mark the first successful around-the-world solo
flight by a balloon.
The balloon and Pilot Steve Fossett are currently at 41 degrees south, 104
degrees east, traveling at 60 miles per hour (97 km per hour) at an
altitude of 28,000 feet (8,534 km) and a heading of 89 degrees; the balloon
has flown 18,678 miles (30,058km).
Currently traveling at 68 miles per hour (109 km per hour) at an altitude
of 28,000 feet (8,534 km) and a heading of 87 degrees, the balloon has
flown 18,617 miles (29,961 km).
... Now you have the latest.
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Aiming Eastward - 96% of Mission Completed
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 10:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 03:00 UTC)
The finish line of Steve Fossett's around-the-world balloon flight is
rushing closer and closer as Bud Light Spirit of Freedom continues to speed
eastward in the morning sun over the south Indian Ocean.
Heading less northward than originally planned, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
is currently bearing east at 80 degrees. The present course will take him
more quickly to his goal of 117 degrees east, but he will not make landfall
in Australia as soon as previously expected. Swinging underneath the
continent, he will have to track northward after crossing the goal line in
order to land further east. Meteorologists are now formulating a flight
plan and landing pattern to accommodate the new trajectory.
At 41 degrees south latitude and 104 degrees east longitude, Bud Light
Spirit of Freedom is flying at 61 miles per hour (98 km per hour) and
28,000 feet (8,534 meters). With 18,740 miles (30,159 km) on the odometer,
the adventure is 96% complete.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 1, 2002, 10:00 p.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 03:00 UTC)
The finish line of Steve Fossett's around-the-world balloon flight is
rushing closer and closer as Bud Light Spirit of Freedom continues to speed
eastward in the morning sun over the south Indian Ocean.
Heading less northward than originally planned, Bud Light Spirit of Freedom
is currently bearing east at 80 degrees. The present course will take him
more quickly to his goal of 117 degrees east, but he will not make landfall
in Australia as soon as previously expected. Swinging underneath the
continent, he will have to track northward after crossing the goal line in
order to land further east. Meteorologists are now formulating a flight
plan and landing pattern to accommodate the new trajectory.
At 41 degrees south latitude and 104 degrees east longitude, Bud Light
Spirit of Freedom is flying at 61 miles per hour (98 km per hour) and
28,000 feet (8,534 meters). With 18,740 miles (30,159 km) on the odometer,
the adventure is 96% complete.
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Grounding thoughts
Ideal Landing Situations Explored
Steve Fossett is still flying high in Bud Light Spirit of Freedom, but lately his thoughts have become a bit more grounded. Now that he’s three-quarters of the way around the world, he has begun to think about the final part of his journey---landing.
Project Manager Tim Cole has already left for Australia from Mission Control at Washington University in St. Louis. He’ll arrive in Adelaide and begin scouting landing locations, although timing and exact headings are subject to last minute changes.
While most of the balloon’s journey is determined by weather, Fossett will have some control regarding when and where he lands. With the balloon 1,100 nautical miles off the Australian coast, Cole has begun the work to find a place for Fossett to land. To help inform the pilot of his choices, Cole will seek out prospective landing sites via helicopter, considering such factors as ground wind speed and direction, and the area’s accessibility for the recovery crew.
Winds and Drag
Cole said wind speeds of less than 10 mph are ideal, otherwise the balloon could drag for miles, as it did last year near Bage, Brazil. Bringing the balloon to a low altitude and starting to deflate means that the slack envelope is more vulnerable to ground winds. Monitoring these conditions is important because the balloon (and capsule) has lost about two-thirds of its take-off weight, going from about 19,000 pounds to 6,500 pounds. At this lighter weight, the possibility for dragging is even greater. Wind direction is also important, because it tells which direction the balloon may be dragged.
Not only is the act of dragging frightening---being trapped in a capsule, flying up quickly and coming down suddenly, all without being able to see---but the result can be dangerous.
Cole said he’ll be looking for a vast spread of land with trees. One would think landing among trees would be dangerous, but actually they reduce the risk of dragging.
“Trees help slow the balloon down, reducing drag,” he said.
One drawback to landing in trees is the envelope is destroyed and the capsule damaged, he said. Cole said that envelopes are never reused so this does not affect a landing decision. As far as the capsule, that can be repaired. If the flight is successful, the Smithsonian has requested to house the capsule next to Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis.
There is little chance of a water landing this time, which Fossett has done only twice in the past. That can be done safely, but accessibility to Fossett is limited and the capsule would be destroyed.
When to Land
Arrival time can affect ground surface conditions as well, Padelt said.
“Ideally we’d like to land at sunrise when the winds are calmest,” he said.
A nighttime landing is dangerous but it may be possible for Fossett to “park” in a quiet area until day light, should a suitable landing prospect be found.
How to Land
When a suitable landing site is finally located, Fossett will level the balloon off about 50 feet from the ground and deploy two drag ropes that act as shock absorbers and help him rotate the balloon in the desired direction. Knowing he may drag once the balloon starts to deflate, he will try to face trees that can bring the balloon to a stop.
Fossett then has two choices: to deflate or not to deflate. If conditions are calm, he can opt to have a stand-up landing, meaning he will set the capsule on the ground and leave the balloon inflated, looking as it did during the launch. Padelt said Fossett would exit the balloon as soon as it stops and take in the sight along with the spectators.
If Fossett opts to deflate the balloon, he’ll release bindings on two, six-foot diameter deflation ports tied off inside the balloon, permitting them to unfold through holes in the top of the envelope. The ports form chimney-like tables that rapidly deflate the envelope.
The ground crew then takes over, completing the deflation in about 30 minutes.
Cole said deflating the balloon can be quicker than inflation because during launch crew members have to be careful with every part of the structure. Nothing from a flight can ever be salvaged, except for the capsule.
******!
Ideal Landing Situations Explored
Steve Fossett is still flying high in Bud Light Spirit of Freedom, but lately his thoughts have become a bit more grounded. Now that he’s three-quarters of the way around the world, he has begun to think about the final part of his journey---landing.
Project Manager Tim Cole has already left for Australia from Mission Control at Washington University in St. Louis. He’ll arrive in Adelaide and begin scouting landing locations, although timing and exact headings are subject to last minute changes.
While most of the balloon’s journey is determined by weather, Fossett will have some control regarding when and where he lands. With the balloon 1,100 nautical miles off the Australian coast, Cole has begun the work to find a place for Fossett to land. To help inform the pilot of his choices, Cole will seek out prospective landing sites via helicopter, considering such factors as ground wind speed and direction, and the area’s accessibility for the recovery crew.
Winds and Drag
Cole said wind speeds of less than 10 mph are ideal, otherwise the balloon could drag for miles, as it did last year near Bage, Brazil. Bringing the balloon to a low altitude and starting to deflate means that the slack envelope is more vulnerable to ground winds. Monitoring these conditions is important because the balloon (and capsule) has lost about two-thirds of its take-off weight, going from about 19,000 pounds to 6,500 pounds. At this lighter weight, the possibility for dragging is even greater. Wind direction is also important, because it tells which direction the balloon may be dragged.
Not only is the act of dragging frightening---being trapped in a capsule, flying up quickly and coming down suddenly, all without being able to see---but the result can be dangerous.
Cole said he’ll be looking for a vast spread of land with trees. One would think landing among trees would be dangerous, but actually they reduce the risk of dragging.
“Trees help slow the balloon down, reducing drag,” he said.
One drawback to landing in trees is the envelope is destroyed and the capsule damaged, he said. Cole said that envelopes are never reused so this does not affect a landing decision. As far as the capsule, that can be repaired. If the flight is successful, the Smithsonian has requested to house the capsule next to Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis.
There is little chance of a water landing this time, which Fossett has done only twice in the past. That can be done safely, but accessibility to Fossett is limited and the capsule would be destroyed.
When to Land
Arrival time can affect ground surface conditions as well, Padelt said.
“Ideally we’d like to land at sunrise when the winds are calmest,” he said.
A nighttime landing is dangerous but it may be possible for Fossett to “park” in a quiet area until day light, should a suitable landing prospect be found.
How to Land
When a suitable landing site is finally located, Fossett will level the balloon off about 50 feet from the ground and deploy two drag ropes that act as shock absorbers and help him rotate the balloon in the desired direction. Knowing he may drag once the balloon starts to deflate, he will try to face trees that can bring the balloon to a stop.
Fossett then has two choices: to deflate or not to deflate. If conditions are calm, he can opt to have a stand-up landing, meaning he will set the capsule on the ground and leave the balloon inflated, looking as it did during the launch. Padelt said Fossett would exit the balloon as soon as it stops and take in the sight along with the spectators.
If Fossett opts to deflate the balloon, he’ll release bindings on two, six-foot diameter deflation ports tied off inside the balloon, permitting them to unfold through holes in the top of the envelope. The ports form chimney-like tables that rapidly deflate the envelope.
The ground crew then takes over, completing the deflation in about 30 minutes.
Cole said deflating the balloon can be quicker than inflation because during launch crew members have to be careful with every part of the structure. Nothing from a flight can ever be salvaged, except for the capsule.
******!
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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nasa,
Well I suppose your "evidence" gives one example of how it may be spelled. However I think mine is more conclusive.
real evidence
Well I suppose your "evidence" gives one example of how it may be spelled. However I think mine is more conclusive.
real evidence
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See You & Raise You
Irrefutable Evidence 
.....and knock off the old caper please 
.....although, my kids were talking about Blonde the other night and one said you mean blonde like dad and one of the others said that's not blonde, that's white
.....and knock off the old caper please .....although, my kids were talking about Blonde the other night and one said you mean blonde like dad and one of the others said that's not blonde, that's white
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NASA....nice to know we share so many things in common.
I too the other day was told I have gone from blonde to wwwhi tte.. white hair. Just think how distinguished we look!
On to Aviation matters, Pierre and Doug the two pilots having a lovely time flying the chase plane all over the place following Steve. Well, They have turned up in Perth awaiting further instructions from the boss. Anyway,for the news................
A Big Day Ahead - 97% of Mission Complete
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 05:00 UTC)
As the clock strikes midnight in Mission Control at Washington University
in St. Louis, the excitement of a busy day has begun to quiet down.
Anticipating the highly eventful 24 hours to come, many of the team have
wisely decided to stock up on sleep during the relative calm of the
evening.
On the other side of the globe, Pilot Steve Fossett in the Bud Light Spirit
of Freedom balloon advancing eastward in the noontime sun.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 40 degrees south latitude, 105
degrees east longitude, heading 80 degrees with a speed of 57 miles per
hour (92 km per hour) and an altitude of 23,500 feet (7,163 km). After
18,826 miles (30,297 km), the mission is 97% complete.
As we get closer to a finnish, my eye is on the ball.
I too the other day was told I have gone from blonde to wwwhi tte.. white hair. Just think how distinguished we look!
On to Aviation matters, Pierre and Doug the two pilots having a lovely time flying the chase plane all over the place following Steve. Well, They have turned up in Perth awaiting further instructions from the boss. Anyway,for the news................
A Big Day Ahead - 97% of Mission Complete
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 12:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 05:00 UTC)
As the clock strikes midnight in Mission Control at Washington University
in St. Louis, the excitement of a busy day has begun to quiet down.
Anticipating the highly eventful 24 hours to come, many of the team have
wisely decided to stock up on sleep during the relative calm of the
evening.
On the other side of the globe, Pilot Steve Fossett in the Bud Light Spirit
of Freedom balloon advancing eastward in the noontime sun.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is now at 40 degrees south latitude, 105
degrees east longitude, heading 80 degrees with a speed of 57 miles per
hour (92 km per hour) and an altitude of 23,500 feet (7,163 km). After
18,826 miles (30,297 km), the mission is 97% complete.
As we get closer to a finnish, my eye is on the ball.
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Current Telemetry
2002-07-02
05:53:00 UTC
Latitude 40° 29.06' S
Longitude 108° 34.77' E
Altitude 7162.8 m
Speed 89 km/hr
Heading 76.18°
Distance 30525.5 km
Duration 13 d 04:16:00
97% Complete
2002-07-02
05:53:00 UTC
Latitude 40° 29.06' S
Longitude 108° 34.77' E
Altitude 7162.8 m
Speed 89 km/hr
Heading 76.18°
Distance 30525.5 km
Duration 13 d 04:16:00
97% Complete
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Less than 10 Degrees of Longitude To Go - 97% of Mission Completed
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 2:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 07:00 UTC)
-- Steve Fossett in the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon, currently at
40 degrees south latitude, 109 degrees east longitude, is closer than ever
to completing his attempt to circumnavigate the world. It is estimated that
within the next 12 hours, Fossett will cross the 117 degree longitude east
mark and begin to search for the safest place to land in Australia.
Weather updates are at a constant change, so predicting an exact landing
site is not possible at this time.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is gliding at 56.5 miles per hour (90.9 km per
hour) at an altitude of 23,500 feet (7,163 km). After traveling 18,996.4
miles (30,570.9 km) around the globe, the mission is 97% complete.
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, JULY 2, 2002, 2:00 a.m. CDT (JULY 2, 2002, 07:00 UTC)
-- Steve Fossett in the Bud Light Spirit of Freedom balloon, currently at
40 degrees south latitude, 109 degrees east longitude, is closer than ever
to completing his attempt to circumnavigate the world. It is estimated that
within the next 12 hours, Fossett will cross the 117 degree longitude east
mark and begin to search for the safest place to land in Australia.
Weather updates are at a constant change, so predicting an exact landing
site is not possible at this time.
Bud Light Spirit of Freedom is gliding at 56.5 miles per hour (90.9 km per
hour) at an altitude of 23,500 feet (7,163 km). After traveling 18,996.4
miles (30,570.9 km) around the globe, the mission is 97% complete.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Australia
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Current Telemetry
2002-07-02
06:53:00 UTC
Latitude 40° 18.92' S
Longitude 109° 37.71' E
Altitude 7162.8 m
Speed 90.6 km/hr
Heading 77.32°
Distance 30616.2 km
Duration 13 d 05:16:00
98% Complete
2002-07-02
06:53:00 UTC
Latitude 40° 18.92' S
Longitude 109° 37.71' E
Altitude 7162.8 m
Speed 90.6 km/hr
Heading 77.32°
Distance 30616.2 km
Duration 13 d 05:16:00
98% Complete