Aerostat

An aerostat is a type of aircraft that remains airborne mainly through buoyant lift, similar to a balloon, rather than relying on engines or wings. It is filled with a lighter-than-air gas like helium or hot air, which makes it rise and stay aloft with minimal energy. Aerostats are often used for surveillance, communication, or weather monitoring because they can hover in one place for extended periods at high altitudes, providing a stable platform for cameras, sensors, or antennas. Unlike airplanes or helicopters, they are primarily stationary, anchored to the ground or a support system.