Way back in the day, late 1980’s, I had access to a tank of helium. I would purchase packs of large ‘party’ balloons, inflate them, tie several of them together and then attach a strip of aluminum foil several feet long. I would then launch the balloons and watch the foil glisten in the sunlight as it ascended.

It was all fun and games until I launched one group that was slightly too heavy and it wrapped around a power line. I had some explaining to do.

I always wondered if the Air Force base that was relatively nearby could get a primary return on the foil.