Abstract: A ballast dispenser system and method for flight vehicles, such as high altitude lighter than air vehicles. The system passively retains ballast without power and deploys ballast in response to applying power. An electro-permanent magnet passively retains ballast within the dispenser. Application of power to a coil produces an opposing magnetic field that reduces the overall strength of a net magnetic field acting on the ballast. Lateral positional control of the electro-permanent magnet provides calibration and control of the retaining magnetic field strength. A collapsible silo may hold ballast prior to dispensing ballast and collapse upon landing for minimizing damage.