Scoop - a specialized-shape skirt which, on American balloons, widens to extend all the way from the top of the poles to the base of the envelope proper, forming a tilted mouth. The idea of the scoop is to provide better control of the aerostat's orientation. Ideally, the front (or main part of the scoop) will always be kept in the direction of travel. It also aids in keeping the envelope full, that part of the balloon that holds the heat.

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