Crew members untangle the net as helium is pumped into the balloon. Sand bags will keep the balloon from accidently flying away during the four-hour inflation process. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
As helium begins to inflate the orange envelope, project engineer Sebastian Matt makes sure all ropes are untangled around the top of the balloon. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Helium pumped from two semi-trailer tank trucks inflates the balloon. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
The sky darkens after sunset as crew members make sure sand bags hold the half-inflated balloon on the ground. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
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With the balloon nearly full of helium, engineers prepare to attach a gondola to the bottom. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
Balloon pilot Frank Loughridge helps a crew of 40 people move the fully inflated balloon in position to attach the gondola. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
A waning moon rises in the sky behind a giant helium balloon that was just inflated at the Great Park in Irvine. Once it’s in operation, the balloon will be used to give visitors teathered rides high over the park. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)
