US 11,447,226 B1 · Lighter than air balloon systems and methods

Abstract

Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include a super-pressure balloon (SPB) and/or a zero-pressure balloon (ZPB). The SPB may include two, three, four or more chambers. There may be more than one SPB. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. The zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the multi-chamber SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The SPB may have an internal barrier separating a lift gas compartment from a variable ballast air compartment.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of controlling a high altitude balloon system, the method comprising:

receiving air from a surrounding atmosphere into a super pressure balloon to increase a downward force to the balloon system;
expelling the air from within the super pressure balloon to the surrounding atmosphere to decrease the downward force to the balloon system, wherein the balloon system comprises a zero-pressure balloon, the super pressure balloon, a payload coupled with the super pressure balloon, and a parafoil coupled with the payload;
releasing the parafoil from the high altitude balloon system;
deploying the parafoil into a deployed flight configuration;
and
descending the parafoil toward ground with the payload.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lighter than air balloon systems and methods

Life of this patent

Lighter than air balloon systems and methods

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20