System and method for generating aerodynamic lift from wind shear at a system

A system comprising:

• a lower sail module:
• defining a first edge and a second edge, opposite the first edge;
• and
• comprising:
• a first set of payload instruments;
• a first control surface arranged proximal the second edge of the lower sail module;
• and
• a first actuator coupled to the first control surface and configured to adjust a pitch of the first control surface;
• an upper sail module arranged above the lower sail module;
• a controller configured to, during a first altitude control cycle:
• access a first altitude of the lower sail module from the first set of payload instruments;
• and
• in response to the first altitude deviating from a first target altitude, trigger the first actuator to:
• change a pitch angle of the first control surface;
• generate aerodynamic lift across the first control surface;
• and
• adjust an altitude of the upper sail module and the lower sail module toward the first target altitude.

A method for adjusting altitude of a system comprising:

• during a deployment period, triggering a deployment module to unwind a first deployment cable to locate a lower sail module at a first distance below an upper sail module;
• at a first time, accessing a first altitude from a first set of payload instruments coupled to the lower sail module;
• in response to the first altitude exceeding a first target altitude, initiating a first altitude control cycle;
• during the first altitude control cycle, triggering a first motorized spool coupled to the lower sail module to wind a first sail control cable in a first direction:
• to pitch a first control surface of the lower sail module downwardly;
• to generate negative aerodynamic lift across the first control surface;
• and
• to decrease altitude of the upper sail module and the lower sail module;
• at a second time, accessing a second altitude from the first set of payload instruments coupled to the lower sail module;
• in response to the second altitude falling below a second target altitude, initiating a second altitude control cycle;
• and
• during the second altitude control cycle, triggering the first motorized spool to wind the first sail control cable in a second direction, opposite the first direction:
• to pitch the first control surface of the lower sail module upwardly;
• to generate positive aerodynamic lift across the first control surface;
• and
• to increase altitude of the upper sail module and the lower sail module.