VARIABLE BUOYANCY LIGHTER THAN AIR GLIDER

摘要

A payload delivery and recovery system, having a payload including a data collection device arranged to collect data, and a controllable ascent vehicle comprising a controllable lighter than air (LTA) mechanism detachably coupled to the payload and used during an ascent phase to deliver the payload to a pre-determined altitude. The payload delivery and recovery system also having a controllable descent mechanism releasably attached to the controllable ascent vehicle and that can be used during a descent phase for reducing a rate of descent of the payload subsequent to release of the payload at the pre-determined altitude and including a control system for navigating the payload to a desired ground location during a recovery phase.

主权项

1. A navigable lighter than air (LTA) glider arranged to actively navigate upper atmosphere winds, comprising:
a controllable buoyancy inflatable airfoil arranged to provide lift and controllable directionality to the LTA glider, comprising: a control surface used to control airflow around the inflatable airfoil, the controlled airflow used to provide the controlled directionality, a positive buoyancy portion configured provide a positive buoyancy comprising a balloon envelope, a negative buoyancy portion configured to provide a fixed and/or a variable negative buoyancy, and an active navigation system used to control the positive and negative buoyancy portions and the control surface such that the LTA glider is able to use the upper atmosphere winds to remain aloft at a desired float altitude and in proximity to a desired ground location; and a payload comprising a data collection device, the payload being coupled to the LTA glider and used to collect data associated with the desired ground location at the float altitude.