# Weightless Water Balloon Experiments Don Pettit Pops Water Balloons in Space for a Hypnotic Effect By Andrew Sztein | Published 2013-02-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balloon-experiments References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/popping-water-balloons-in-space/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFHAY5h-ccc&feature=youtu.be) I'll get this out of the way, I'm a sucker for balloon experiments; there's a surprising amount of variety in the simple idea of gasses and liquids in an expandable container. So when Astronaut Don Pettit showed his [water balloon experiments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-microgravity) within the vacuum of space, I was understandably riveted at the effects. In all honesty, the hovering water effect was pretty predictable while remaining interesting and rather hypnotic. The compelling balloon experiment was accomplished while Pettit was stationed on the International Space Station, presumably while he was on break, not doing important space station stuff. That brings me to another question. How come Pettit can bring a pocket knife onto the International Space Station, but I can't bring a bottle of water onto an airplane? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 39% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Space Experiments:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in conducting experiments and research in space. - **Balloon Technology:** Potential for disruptive innovation in creating new and improved expandable container technology. - **Hypnotic Visuals:** Opportunity to explore and capitalize on the mesmerizing effects of water balloons in unique environments. ### Where This Applies - **Space Exploration:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the field of space exploration and research. - **Material Science:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing new materials for expandable containers. - **Entertainment:** Chance to create mesmerizing visual experiences for entertainment purposes using balloon technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Zero-Gravity Space Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-gravity-coffee-cup.md) - [Reusable Water Fight Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-water-balloon.md) - [Space-Inspired Hovering Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levitating-pen-30.md) - [Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-water-balloons.md) - [Suspended Writing Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverpen.md) - [Space Tourism Travels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balloon-spacecraft.md) - [Quick-Burst Water Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nerf-better-than-balloons.md) - [Robotic Vacuum Space Expeditions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roborock-s8-maxv-ultra.md) - [Zero Gravity-Dining Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-microgravity.md)