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AssigneeArizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona
InventorsMichael Debbins, Tristan Schuler, Davis Goolsby, Joshua Crest, Jekan Thangavelautham
Estimating the term…
Solar balloons are a simple and lightweight option for aerial exploration and meteorological data collection both terrestrially and on other planets. By using lightweight materials that absorb visual light and emit low levels of thermal radiation, solar balloons behave similarly to hot air balloons but can ascend to much higher altitudes. Unlike hot air balloons, which use an onboard heat source to raise the temperature of the internal air, solar balloons generate heat by absorbing solar radiation, providing a free source of lift and eliminating the need for carrying an extra tank of lighter-than-air gas or fuel. The solar balloons of the present invention include mechanical vents on the tops of the balloons to store and release hot air. Using these mechanical vents, the balloons can adjust altitude to enter regions of the atmosphere with different wind flows, which can lead to horizontal controllability of the platform.
An altitude-controllable solar high-altitude balloon (SHAB), the balloon comprising:
A controllable one-way vent for a solar high-altitude balloon, the one-way vent comprising:
A method for controlling horizontal position of a high-altitude balloon, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.