What are hot air balloons made of?
The bag, or envelope, as it is more properly called - is made of a reinforced fabric called rip-stop nylon (some balloons are made of dacron). The material is very light weight, but is very strong. The fabric is coated on the inside to prevent leaks.

How big are hot air balloons?
The typical sport balloons range in size from 65,000 to 105,000 cubic feet in volume and stand around 70 feet tall.

How do you steer the thing?
Strictly speaking, you don't. The balloon goes where the wind takes it. However, the winds at varying altitudes may blow in different directions and at different speeds, so the trick is to climb or descend to an altitude where the wind is blowing in the direction you want to go.

How fast does it go?
As fast as the wind. Or as slow. Since the balloon has no forward propulsion system, its speed is determined entirely by the speed of the wind. That's why balloon races are strictly races of accuracy not speed.

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