A mooring facility for a tethered gas balloon comprises a building
structure containing a hemispherical basin capable of receiving the lower
portion of an inflated lighter-than-air gas balloon for mooring the
balloon. The surface of the bowl structure is complementary to the
surface contour of the lower portion of the balloon. A gondola is
suspended beneath the balloon and occupies a central recess in the bowl
structure when the balloon is moored. The balloon is tethered by a cable
and can be raised and lowered between an elevated operating position and
a lowered moored position. The facility avoids the need for a large space
requirement and can be erected or installed in a built-up area in or
adjacent to a town or city.