| Miraculously, after maintaining its position on the cliffside for about 15 minutes, the balloon began to ascend to an altitude of about 24,000 ft, which it maintained for most of the remainder of the mission duration. We maintain that the balloon dislodged ballast while being on the cliffside, causing additional free lift and consequent ascent. However, at some point during the morning, the balloon began another steady ascent cycle. Weather reports suggest that the balloon flew into a thunderstorm, being lifted rapidly by an updraft. The balloon rose very quickly, overshooting its target altitude and rebounding with a steep descent cycle. It finished its flight with a landing in Northeast Nevada. | | Miraculously, after maintaining its position on the cliffside for about 15 minutes, the balloon began to ascend to an altitude of about 24,000 ft, which it maintained for most of the remainder of the mission duration. We maintain that the balloon dislodged ballast while being on the cliffside, causing additional free lift and consequent ascent. However, at some point during the morning, the balloon began another steady ascent cycle. Weather reports suggest that the balloon flew into a thunderstorm, being lifted rapidly by an updraft. The balloon rose very quickly, overshooting its target altitude and rebounding with a steep descent cycle. It finished its flight with a landing in Northeast Nevada. |