| 摘要 |
 An apparatus for providing information services at altitude comprises an elevated platform 4 which is held aloft by an inflatable balloon 3 and is tethered to a substantially ground level location such as a ship 1 by means of a tether 2. An electrical generator is located on the platform and may comprise a fuel cell that is supplied with fuel such as hydrogen together with atmospheric air. The hydrogen fuel is supplied to the platform via a conduit 6 that forms part of the tether. The conduit is strengthened by a composite wall 8. The tether has additional strengthening cables 10 and may have a tail portion 12. The tether is surrounded by a skin 18. The electrical energy is used to power an electronics payload (76, fig 9) supplying transmitters (77, fig 9) and platform stabilisers. The tether may include a fibre optic cable (108, fig 11). |
