I don't know why this article fascinated me as it did. Ever since I've read about NASA successfully testing a super-high altitude (110,000 feet) balloon, it's been the proverbial popcorn husk stuck between my molars.
NASA says it's far cheaper (and reusable) than sending up a satellite. I find something about this balloon project to be inexplicably creepy, silent and cold hovering at the edge of space while tethered to the ground.
What I find really intriguing are other potential uses for the technology, such as perhaps fixing a rigid triangular frame to three equidistant balloons and using it as an "elevator" from which traditional space vehicles could be launched into higher orbit. Methinks (perhaps incorrectly) that the first 60,000 for a traditional launch vehicle is the most dangerous, technically difficult and fuel-intensive part of the mission.
"110,000th floor please, sir. Then I'll take it from there."
Details straight from people far smarter than the average bear can be found here.
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