6 ms·
That’s no problem, those balloons could always just use hydrogen!
by mwilliaams 7y ago
That’s no problem, those balloons could always just use hydrogen!
- i_am_nomad 7y agoMaybe you’re joking, but really, why not? They’re unmanned, and so a catastrophic failure is much less of a concern. If helium scarcity is a serious enough problem, then by all means, full those blooms with H2 and launch them from a safe zone.
- FlyMoreRockets 7y agoThe problem with hydrogen is that it is a much smaller molecule than helium and leaks from light, thin-walled containers like balloons. Heck, it can even leak along grain boundaries in metal containers.
- stickfigure 7y agoHelium leaks too, just at a slower rate. Hydrogen is cheaper to top up.
- deleted 7y ago[deleted]
- jfk13 7y agoIf you're trying to keep a massive network of balloons aloft to provide wide-area internet connectivity, the logistics involved in topping up the gas mean that the frequency of top-ups required may be a greater concern than the cost of the gas involved.
- NikkiA 7y agoChemical (non-electrolysis) hydrogen generators are a thing, although not directly useful for larger scale needs like the fuel cell hype, they are adequate for topping up balloons.