High altitude airostat balloons have also been considered as a superior alternative to satellites for some applications due to lower ping and greater resistance to solar activity. Unfortunately it turns out its also harder to make a long lasting high altitude balloon with consistent positioning than it is to launch something into space.

There are still airships in operation? I thought it was blimps only

Wow, I'm envious!

Whoa. Good for you.

And for radio relays. Although that's more of a balloon job.