Payload Orientation Control and Stabilization

摘要

Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.

主权项

1. A balloon payload stabilization system comprising:
a balloon envelope; and a gondola suspended beneath the balloon envelope, the gondola including:
a central housing unit including one or more rotational stabilization devices, wherein the one or more rotational stabilization devices are configured to stabilize the gondola around at least a first axis of rotation relative to an orientation of the balloon payload stabilization system; anda powered gimbal including a payload, wherein the powered gimbal is mechanically coupled to the central housing unit and is configured to rotate around one or more axes relative to the orientation of the balloon payload stabilization system to position the payload;wherein the payload, when positioned in a position by the powered gimbal, is stably maintained in the position via rotation around at least the first axis by the one or more rotational stabilization devices.