No, a traditional hot air balloon cannot fly into space.
Hot air balloons rely on buoyancy, rising because the hot air inside is less dense than the surrounding air. As a balloon ascends, the atmosphere thins, and the difference in density between the hot air and the surrounding air decreases.
Eventually, the balloon reaches a point where the air density is too low to provide enough lift to continue ascending. This is called the balloon's ceiling.
While hot air balloons cannot reach space, there are high-altitude balloons designed to reach the edge of space. These balloons are filled with lighter-than-air gases like helium and are often used for scientific research.
Additionally, companies like Zephalto are developing space tourism experiences using hot air balloon-like vehicles. These vehicles will reach the edge of space, providing passengers with stunning views of Earth.
