Aerostat deployment apparatus

A method for inflating and deploying an aerostat, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a container formed with an open end;
• positioning a first portion of said aerostat within said container;
• inflating a second portion of said aerostat with lighter-than-air gas outside said container to draw said first portion of said aerostat from said container for subsequent inflation outside said container;
• positioning a member at said open end of said container, said member formed with an operative surface;
• and
• maintaining said operative surface stationary relative to said container to generate frictional forces for controlling the rate said first portion of said aerostat passes through said open end to maintain said second portion of said aerostat taut during inflation.

An apparatus for inflating and deploying a cloth aerostat, said apparatus comprising:

• a container having an open end, said container for holding aerostat cloth in a substantially deflated configuration;
• a source of lighter-than-air gas for inflating said aerostat cloth as said aerostat cloth exits said container;
• a friction sheet positioned at said open end of said container;
• and
• a means for maintaining said friction sheet stationary relative to said container to generate frictional forces for controlling the exit rate of said aerostat cloth to maintain said inflated aerostat cloth taut.