Well, the 40 ft solar balloon is just a tattered ball of plastic.
We tried launching it this morning, and had it about half inflated when the wind picked up, and the entire thing split in half. Rather impressive, actually. But the numerous hours I spent constructing the balloon are all for naught.
Ballooning-that’s how it goes! If not for the wind, it would have flown. A few minutes of wind, and everything falls apart. I had success with my 20 ft balloon, and the 40 footer was such a time investment that I don’t think I’ll attempt it again.
Bovine Aerospace 