Almost 2000 balloons are launched each day to collect weather data. Other balloon flights are for atmospheric research and astronomy. Sending a science instrument on a balloon mission can be a step toward qualifying it for spaceflight.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00482-7
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High-altitude balloons: a scientists' guide to what’s up there and why

The US shot down four flying objects over fears of spy balloons. But what else are high altitude balloons used for?