August 25, 1998 [day two]
Overnight, balloon altitude decreases to ~18 km (60,000 feet). It begins to drift eastward and is tracked by a spotter plane during day.
By sunset, it has travelled 400 km from the launch site.
9:45 PM: the balloon moves beyond telemetry range. Commands and information can no longer be sent/received to/from the balloon.
MANTRA’s unexpected journey has begun.
August 26, 1998 [day three]
During the day on August 26, the balloon is spotted by several aircraft.
It is observed east of Thunder Bay in the afternoon.
August 27, 1998 [day four]
The balloon reaches Gulf of the St. Lawrence. It is now at 12.5 km altitude, near the altitude of trans-Atlantic aircraft. Planes have to be re-routed around the balloon.
Side Note: legalities
There are international agreements and rules governing airspace that become relevant. The UN Chicago Convention on civilian aviation requires that states obtain permission for unmanned free balloons (e.g., MANTRA) to be flown into other nations’ airspaces. And to coordinate with air traffic services if such balloons are crossing the ‘high seas’. Since MANTRA may exit Canadian airspace and is interfering with air travel, there is need for Canada to try and force the MANTRA balloon to land.
At this point, the Government of Canada decides to try and force the balloon down.
CF-18 fighter jets shoot more than 1000 rounds at the balloon.
They hit the balloon!
However, they do not force a landing.
The balloon continues…
Next: Leaving Canada