Like most things, balloon aviation originated in ancient China. Unlike other early forms of transportation technology - like, oh I don't know, horse and buggy, hollowed-out-tree-trunk boats, and those bicycles with the really big wheel in front - balloon flight seems to persist despite the abundance of safer and less silly alternatives. You know, like helicopters and jetpacks and stuff.
To be fair, balloon aviation has had its share of successes. Last week this guy flew 200 miles over the Oregon desert and landed in Idaho. Who knew Oregon had a desert?
Not to be outdone by the plucky Oregonian, a Brazilian man took it upon himself to fall out of his balloon contraption and die. If you feel bad for laughing, don't worry, the guy was a priest and he was raising money for a church. So yeah, you're definitely going to hell now. You're welcome.
Given the checkered past of helium balloon flight, what kind of odds would you give our Border Patrol buddies when they attempt a similar endeavor?
