System and method for avoiding hazardous atmospheric zones

A method comprising:

• at a remote computer system:
• receiving an initial set of ambient data, recorded over an initial time window, from an aerial vehicle, traversing an oscillating flight path, at a first time;
• updating a first weather forecast for a first forecast window succeeding the initial time window based on the initial set of ambient data;
• based on the first weather forecast:
• predicting a first hazardous-risk zone, proximal the oscillating flight path of the aerial vehicle, during the first forecast window;
• defining a first altitude band constraining the oscillating flight path of the aerial vehicle during a first time window succeeding the initial time window, the first altitude band defining:
• a first absolute minimum altitude;
• and
• a first absolute maximum altitude intersecting the first hazardous-risk zone;
• and
• defining a first alternative maximum altitude, between the first absolute minimum altitude and the first absolute maximum altitude, proximal a first boundary of the first hazardous-risk zone for the first time window;
• and
• transmitting the first altitude band and the first alternative maximum altitude to the aerial vehicle;
• and
• at the aerial vehicle:
• detecting a first hazardous atmospheric condition proximal the aerial vehicle while ascending toward the first alternative maximum altitude during the first time window;
• and
• in response to detecting the first hazardous atmospheric condition following ascent of the aerial vehicle above the first alternative maximum altitude:
• triggering an actuator in the aerial vehicle to decrease net buoyancy of the aerial vehicle to transition the aerial vehicle from ascent to descent.

A method comprising:

• at a remote computer system:
• accessing a first weather forecast for a first forecast window;
• based on the first weather forecast:
• predicting a constellation of hazardous-risk zones comprising a first hazardous-risk zone:
• proximal an oscillating flight path of an aerial vehicle during a first time window;
• and
• exhibiting an estimated maximum altitude;
• and
• defining a sequence of altitude bands for navigation by the aerial vehicle, the sequence of altitude bands:
• predicted to maximize atmospheric data capture by the aerial vehicle;
• and
• comprising a first altitude band constraining the oscillating flight path of the aerial vehicle during the first time window, the first altitude band defining:
• a first absolute minimum altitude intersecting the first hazardous-risk zone;
• and
• a first absolute maximum altitude;
• and
• transmitting the estimated maximum altitude and the sequence of altitude bands to the aerial vehicle;
• and
• at the aerial vehicle:
• receiving the estimated maximum altitude and the sequence of altitude bands from the remote computer system;
• and
• navigating the first altitude band during the first time window.