Watched the video of the launch of the balloon yesterday where they thought the boy was inside. Many things: Anyone with the powers of observation can see the balloon is barely lifting the plywood gondola attatched, let alone a
60# child. The balloon would have been elongated vertically. The statements were that the family was "obsessed" with science. Someone who was "obsessed" with science would have done testing to measure lifting capabilities. Next thing: camera conveniently filming. Next thing: obvious absence of restraint system(s). Next thing: dad's behavior was exemplary, kicking lawn furniture.No wonder the kid took off and hid. Wonder if dad was a spanker?
Is it just me, or is this something that would be meant to look like a flying saucer? The shape and covering, the shape of the gondola underneath, everything. What was the purpose? Just to launch this thing, and let it float uncontrollably into airplane airspace? If it was for weather observation, let's see the payload package, and retrieval and location system. It looked like it couldn't pick up a bowling ball.
This doesn't pass my smell test.
Steve