US 8,985,499 B2 · Stratosphere tethered platform for multiple uses

Abstract

The present invention is realized by apparatus and methods for placing a large rigid buoyant platform in the low stratosphere of earth's atmosphere at an altitude of about 20 km, above clouds, moisture, dust, and wind. The platform can serve several uses, either individually or in any combination. These uses include uninterrupted radio and light communications, radar and optical observation including very powerful radars and solar power electricity generation. Long, strong and light tethers connect the buoyant structure to the ground which hold it in position against wind forces. The electricity output from a photovoltaic array is used to power platform uses and can also be coupled to high voltage transmission lines which transmit power from the platform to the earth's surface during daylight hours. Power can also be transmitted up to the platform during darkness to power facilities mounted on the platform ensuring continuous operation.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method of providing a rigid buoyant platform apparatus operating in the low stratosphere, comprising:

providing a large platform floating in the low stratosphere constructed from a plurality of mechanically connected small platforms,
constructing each of said small platforms from a mechanically and electrically connected collection of similarly-configured platform modules, and
providing each of said small platforms with a tether mechanically connecting the small platform to the ground;
wherein each of said similarly-configured platform modules comprises a rigid truss structure containing a gas bag filled with a lighter-than-air gas;
floating at least one of said small platforms to the low stratosphere;
positioning at least one other small platform on the ground adjacent the tether or tethers of the at least one floating small platform;
connecting the at least one other small platform to said adjacent tether or tethers by a corresponding boom or booms;
deploying the at least one other small platform vertically to the large platform.

5 more elements

A rigid buoyant platform apparatus operating in the low stratosphere comprising:

a large platform floating in the low stratosphere constructed from a plurality of mechanically connected small platforms;
each of said small platforms being constructed from a mechanically and electrically connected collection of similarly-configured platform modules;
and
each of said small platforms comprising a tether mechanically connecting the small platform to the ground;
wherein each of said similarly-configured platform modules comprises a rigid truss structure containing a gas bag filled with a lighter-than-air gas;
wherein, when at least one of said small platforms is floating in the low stratosphere, at least one other small platform is positioned on the ground adjacent the tether or tethers of the at least one floating small platform and is connected to said adjacent tether or tethers by a corresponding boom or booms;
whereby the at least one other small platform is configured to be deployed vertically to the large platform and mechanically connected to the large platform by said boom or booms.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Stratosphere tethered platform for multiple uses

Life of this patent

Stratosphere tethered platform for multiple uses

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16