Two hundred years ago the first manned balloon launch was attempted. On 21st November 1783 the hot air balloon, Montgolfiere, carried two men, the adventurer Pilatre von Roxier and the Marquis D’Arlandes, nine kilometres during their twenty minute flight.

The history of flight continued with many ambitious and inventive men. Among them were Graf Zeppelin, famous for airships, Otto Lilienthal for motorless flight, and the Wright brothers for the first powered flight. Since then the development went further until today large scale aircraft have become commonplace. Tomorrow, space flight could be just as common. Who dares say no to the technology that has brought us today’s living comforts?

The following contribution deals with an actual problem in present day hot air balloon construction.