Sub-orbital, high altitude communications system

• US 20030040273A1
• Filed: 06/25/2002
• Published: 02/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1993
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Scott Seligsohn, Sherwin I. Seligsohn
• Original Assignee: Scott Seligsohn, Sherwin I. Seligsohn
• Inventors: Seligsohn, Scott, Seligsohn, Sherwin I.
• Application Number:
  US10/180,217
• Publication Number:
  US 20030040273A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/12.1
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/44 adapted to maintain predetermined altitude
• CPC Class Codes: B64B 1/48 to enable load to be dropped by parachute
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/1007 Communications satellites
• CPC Class Codes: B64G 1/36 using sensors, e.g. sun-sensors, horizon sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/18504 Aircraft used as relay or high altitude atmospheric platform

Abstract

A sub-orbital, high altitude communications system comprising at least two ground stations and at least one high altitude relay station. Each of the ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals. The relay stations include means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to other relay stations. Means are provided for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of the relay stations so that a predetermined altitude and location of each of said relay stations can be achieved and maintained. Means are provided for receiving the relay stations so that they can be serviced for reuse.

Claims

66. A telecommunications method comprising the steps of

providing at least two ground stations and at least one relay station,

positioning said relay station at a fixed predetermined location over the earth and at a predetermined altitude for receiving and transmitting telecommunications signals to and from said ground stations and other relay stations, said predetermined altitude being between about 12 and 35 miles,

transmitting a telecommunications signal from a first one of said ground stations to said relay station,

receiving said telecommunications signal at said relay station and transmitting said signal to a second ground station, and

maintaining said relay station at said fixed predetermined altitude and location for sending and receiving said telecommunications signals to and from said ground stations and said other relay stations.

1. A telecommunications apparatus comprising

at least two ground stations, each of said ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals,

at least one relay station, said relay station including means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to others of said relay stations,

said relay station being at a predetermined altitude that is between about 12 and 35 miles,

said relay station being at a fixed predetermined location over the earth for transmitting and receiving telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to others of said relay stations,

means on said relay station for controlling the vertical and lateral movement of said relay station so that said predetermined altitude and fixed predetermined location of said relay station are achieved and maintained for sending and receiving said telecommunications signals to and from said ground stations and said other relay stations.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

said means for controlling the vertical and lateral movement of said relay station so that said predetermined altitude and location of said relay station are achieved and maintained comprises

first means, said first means being operative to selectively or simultaneously identify the current altitude or location of said relay station,

second means, said second means being operative to selectively or simultaneously identify said predetermined altitude or location for said relay station,

and means for moving said relay station from said current altitude or location to said predetermined altitude or location.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein

said means for controlling said relay station at said predetermined altitude or location comprises a thrust system, and

means for selectively energizing said thrust system.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

said means for controlling the vertical and lateral movement of said relay station so that said predetermined altitude and location of said relay station are achieved and maintained comprises

first means, said first means being operative to selectively or simultaneously identify the current altitude and location of said relay station,

second means, said second means being operative to selectively or simultaneously identify a predetermined altitude and location for said relay station,

and means for moving said relay station from said current altitude and location to said predetermined altitude and/or location.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for controlling said relay station at said predetermined altitude and location comprises a thrust system, and means for selectively energizing said thrust system.

6. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein said thrust system comprises propellers.

7. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein said thrust system comprises rockets.

8. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein said thrust system comprises jets.

9. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting solar energy to electric energy.

10. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting wind energy to electric energy.

11. An apparatus as defined in claims 3 or 5 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting microwave energy to electric energy.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 including

at least one ground based microwave transmitter, and

means for aiming a microwave beam at said microwave receiving means on said relay station.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 including

a second relay station,

at least one microwave transmitter based on said second relay station, and

means on said second relay station for aiming a microwave beam at said receiving means on said relay station.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 including

a ground based telecommunications network, and

at least one of said ground stations is connected to said telecommunications network.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

at least one of said ground stations is mobile.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

at least one of said ground stations is stationary.

17. An apparatus as defined in claims 2 or 4 wherein

said relay station is lighter than air.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said means for controlling said lateral movement comprises a thrust system, and

electric means for driving said thrust system.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of propellers.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of rockets.

21. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of jets.

22. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said relay station comprises an inflatable device, and

means connected to said inflatable device for deflating it while it is aloft.

23. An apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein

said means for deflating said inflatable device is operative in response to a signal from a remote source.

24. An apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

closing means closing said opening and being operative to seal said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

an explosive charge connected to said closing means, said explosive charge being operative when detonated to remove said closing means from said opening.

25. An apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

closing means closing said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

a plurality of clamping brackets for releasably retaining said closing means in sealing relation with said opening,

at least one electrically driven motor supported by said inflatable device, said electrically driven motor being in engagement with said clamping brackets and being operative when energized to move said clamping brackets so that they release said closing means from said opening.

26. An apparatus in defined in claim 22 wherein

said inflatable device includes a parachute having control lines for controlling its descent when it is recovered.

27. An apparatus as defined in claim 26 including

means for deploying said parachute, and

means for connecting said means for deploying said parachute to said means for deflating said inflatable device so that said parachute is deployed when said inflatable device is deflated.

28. An apparatus as defined in claim 27 including

radio controlled means supported by said inflatable device and being connected to the control lines for said parachute,

said radio controlled means being operative to provide directional control to said parachute as it descends.

29. An apparatus as defined in claim 22 wherein

said relay station comprises a balloon.

30. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein

said relay station comprises a super pressure balloon.

31. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

said relay station comprises a balloon.

32. An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein

said balloon includes means for controlling its altitude.

33. An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

34. An apparatus as defined in claim 32 wherein said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

35. An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein

said balloon comprises a super pressure balloon.

36. An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein

said balloon includes means for controlling the temperature of the gas that it contains.

37. An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein

said balloon includes a skin, and

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of electro-chromatic material.

38. An apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

39. An apparatus as defined in claim 34 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

40. An apparatus as defined in claim 31 wherein

said balloon includes a skin, and

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of photo-chromatic material.

41. An apparatus as defined in claim 40 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

42. An apparatus as defined in claim 40 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

43. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

some of said relay stations comprise a plurality of sections,

at least one of said sections including means for selectively receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or others of said relay stations, and

at least one of said sections including means for providing energy for said means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals and/or said means for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of said relay stations.

44. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

at least two of said sections include means for selectively receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or others of said relay stations, so that if said last named means on one of said sections fails, the other section will continue to operate and thereby keep the relay station in service.

45. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

at least two of said sections include means for providing energy for said means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals and/or said means for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of said relay stations, so that if said last named means on one of said sections fails, the other section will continue to operate and thereby keep the relay station in service.

46. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for receiving microwave energy and converting it to electric energy.

47. An apparatus as defined in claim 46 wherein

said means for receiving microwave energy includes means for collecting microwave energy from space.

48. An apparatus as defined in claim 46 including

at least one ground microwave transmitter, and

said means for receiving microwave energy receives microwave energy from said ground microwave transmitter.

49. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting solar energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

50. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting chemical energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

51. An apparatus as defined in claim 43 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting wind energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

52. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said

relay station comprises a light weight airplane.

53. An apparatus as defined in claim 49 wherein

said airplane includes means for providing energy for said means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals and/or said means for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of said relay stations.

54. An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for receiving microwave energy and converting it to electric energy.

55. An apparatus as defined in claim 54 including at least one ground microwave transmitter, and

said means for receiving microwave energy receives microwave energy from said ground microwave transmitter.

56. An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting solar energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

57. An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting chemical energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

58. An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein

said means for providing energy includes means for converting wind energy to microwave energy and transmitting it to said means for receiving microwave energy.

59. An apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein said means for receiving microwave energy includes means for collecting microwave energy from space.

60. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

said means for selectively receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or others of said relay stations operates at frequencies that are the same as those allocated to terrestrial telecommunications.

61. An apparatus as defined in claim 60 wherein

the use of said frequencies is increased by digital multiple access technologies.

62. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

there are a plurality of relay stations, and

relay stations stationed over more densely populated areas are lower than relay stations stationed over less densely populated areas.

63. An apparatus as defined in claim 62 wherein

said lower relay stations require less power for their telecommunications signals than said higher relay stations.

64. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein

there are a plurality of relay stations,

the relay stations over more densely populated areas have a narrow focus for the angle of reception and propagation of telecommunications signals, and

the relay stations over less densely populated areas have a broad focus for the angle of reception and propagation of telecommunications signals.

65. An apparatus as defined in claim 64 wherein

said relay stations whose angles of reception and propagation are narrow require less power for their telecommunications signals than said relay stations whose angles of reception and propagation are broad.

67. A method as defined in claim 66 including the steps of

identifying a current altitude and location over the earth of said relay station,

identifying a predetermined altitude and location for said relay station, and

moving said relay station from said current altitude and/or location to said predetermined altitude and location.

68. A method as defined in claim 66 including the steps of identifying a current altitude or location over the earth of said relay station,

identifying said predetermined altitude or location for said relay station, and

moving said relay station from said current altitude or location to said predetermined altitude or location.

69. A method as defined in claims 67 or 68 wherein the step of moving said relay station includes the step of

applying a thrust force to said relay station in the direction in which it is to move.

70. A method as defined in claim 69 including the step of

enabling said relay stations to receive and store energy, and

using said energy to create said thrust force and to enable said relay station to transmit and receive telecommunications signals.

71. A method as defined in claim 70 wherein

said relay stations can receive and store solar energy.

72. A method as defined in claim 70 wherein

said relay stations can receive and store microwave energy.

73. A method as defined in claim 70 wherein

said relay stations can receive and store wind energy.

74. A method as defined in claim 70 wherein

said energy is chemical energy.

75. A method as defined in claim 67 or 68 including the step of

returning said relay station to a predetermined location on the earth.

76. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

at least one of said ground stations is mobile.

77. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

said relay station is lighter than air.

78. A method as defined in claim 77 wherein

said relay station is inflated with a gas.

79. A method as defined in claim 77 including

step of controlling the altitude of said relay station.

80. A method as defined in claim 79 wherein

said step of controlling the altitude of said relay station includes controlling the temperature of said gas.

81. A method as defined in claim 80 wherein

the temperature of said gas is controlled by controlling the amount of solar radiant energy that enters said balloon.

82. A method as defined in claim 81 wherein

said step of controlling the amount of solar energy that enters said balloon includes the step of changing the transparency of the skin of said balloon.

83. A method as defined in claim 82 wherein

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of electro-chromatic material.

84. A method as defined in claim 83 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

85. An method as defined in claim 83 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

86. A method as defined in claim 82 wherein

said balloon includes a skin, and

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of photo-chromatic material.

87. A method as defined in claim 86 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

88. A method as defined in claim 86 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

89. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

the step of providing a relay station includes the step of providing it with a plurality of sections,

selectively receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or other relay stations by at least one of said sections,

transmitting energy to said last named section from at least one of said other sections, and

said energy is operative to enable said telecommunications.

90. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

the step of receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or other relay stations is by at least two of said sections so that if there is a failure of the ability to send and/or receive telecommunications signals from or to one of said sections, the other section will continue to operate and thereby keep the relay station in service.

91. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

the step of transmitting energy to said section that selectively receives and sends telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and/or other relay stations includes

the step of transmitting energy by at least two of said sections so that if there is a failure of the ability to transmitting energy from one of said sections, the other section will continue to operate and thereby keep the relay station in service.

92. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

said energy that is transmitted is microwave energy,

converting said microwave energy to electric energy, and

using said electric energy for said telecommunication.

93. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

said step of transmitting energy to said last named section includes the steps of

collecting solar energy at said other section, converting said solar energy to microwave energy, and

transmitting said microwave energy.

94. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

said step of transmitting energy to said last named section includes the steps of

collecting wind energy at said other section, converting said wind energy to microwave energy, and

transmitting said microwave energy.

95. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

said step of transmitting energy to said last named section includes the steps of

providing chemical energy at said other section, converting said chemical energy to microwave energy, and

transmitting said microwave energy.

96. A method as defined in claim 89 wherein

said step of transmitting energy to said last named section includes the steps of

collecting microwave energy at said other section, and

transmitting said microwave energy.

97. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

said telecommunications signals are at the same frequencies as those allocated to terrestrial telecommunications signals.

98. A method as defined in claim 97 including the step of

increasing the number of channels available for communication on said frequencies by digital multiple access technologies.

99. A method as defined in claim 98 wherein

said digital multiple access technology includes TDMA.

100. A method as defined in claim 98 wherein

said digital multiple access technology includes FDMA.

101. A method as defined in claim 66 including the step of

providing a plurality of relay stations,

locating relay stations stationed over more densely populated areas at lower altitudes than relay stations located over less densely populated areas.

102. A method as defined in claim 101 wherein

said relay stations at lower altitudes require less power for telecommunications signals than said higher relay stations.

103. A method as defined in claim 66 including the step of

providing a plurality of relay stations,

providing a narrow focus for the angle of reception and propagation of telecommunications signals for those relay stations over more densely populated areas, and

providing a broad focus for the angle of reception and propagation of telecommunications signals for those relay stations over less densely populated areas.

104. A method as defined in claim 103 including the steps of

providing said relay stations whose angles of reception and propagation are narrow with less power for their telecommunications signals than said relay stations whose angles of reception and propagation are broad.

105. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein said relay station is lighter than air.

106. A method as defined in claim 105 wherein said relay station is inflatable.

107. A method as in claim 105 wherein said relay station is a super pressure balloon.

108. A method as in claim 106 wherein said relay station is a super pressure balloon.

109. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

the step of transmitting said telecommunications signal to said second ground station includes the steps of

providing a second relay station,

transmitting said telecommunications signal from said first relay station to said second relay station, and

transmitting said telecommunications signal from said second relay station to said second ground station.

110. A method as defined in claim 66 wherein

the step of transmitting said signal to said second ground station includes the steps of

providing a second relay station,

transmitting said communications signal from said first relay station to said second relay station, and

transmitting said communications signal from said second relay station to said second ground station.

100-1. A method as defined in claim 98 wherein said digital multiple access technology includes CDMA.

111. A telecommunications apparatus comprising

at least two ground stations, each of said ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals,

at least one relay station, said relay station including means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to others of said relay stations,

first means for identifying the current altitude and location of said relay station,

second means for identifying a predetermined altitude and a fixed predetermined location over the earth for said relay station, said predetermined altitude being between about 12 to 35 miles, and

and means on said relay station for moving said relay station from said current altitude and location to said predetermined altitude and fixed predetermined location over the earth for sending and receiving signals to and from said ground stations and said other relay stations.

112. An apparatus as defined in claim 111 wherein

said means for controlling said relay station at said predetermined altitude and location comprises a thrust system,

said thrust system comprises a plurality of elements, and

means for selectively energizing selected ones of said plurality of elements so that the direction in which said relay station moves is controlled.

115. An apparatus as defined in claims 112 or 114 wherein

said thrust system comprises propellers.

116. An apparatus as defined in claims 112 or 114 wherein

said thrust system comprises rockets.

117. An apparatus as defined in claim 112 or 114 wherein

said thrust system comprises jets.

118. An apparatus as defined in claim 112 or 114 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting solar energy to electric energy.

119. An apparatus as defined in claim 112 or 114 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting wind energy to electric energy.

120. An apparatus as defined in claim 112 or 114 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting microwave energy to electric energy.

121. An apparatus as defined in claim 120 including

at least one ground based microwave transmitter, and

means for aiming a microwave beam from said transmitter at said microwave receiving means on said relay station.

122. An apparatus as defined in claim 120 including

a second relay station,

at least one microwave transmitter based on said second relay station, and

means on said second relay station for aiming a microwave beam from said transmitter at said microwave receiving means on said relay station.

123. An apparatus as defined in claims 111 or 112 wherein

said relay station is lighter than air.

124. An apparatus as defined in claim 123 wherein

said means for controlling said lateral movement comprises a thrust system, and

electric means for driving said thrust system.

125. An apparatus as defined in claim 124 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of propellers.

126. An apparatus as defined in claim 124 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of rockets.

127. An apparatus as defined in claim 124 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of jets.

128. An apparatus as defined in claim 123 wherein

said relay station is a super pressure balloon.

129. An apparatus as defined in claim 123 wherein

said relay station comprises an inflatable device, and

means connected to said inflatable device for deflating it while it is aloft.

130. An apparatus as defined in claim 129 wherein

said means for deflating said inflatable device is operative in response to a signal from a remote source.

131. An apparatus as defined in claim 130 wherein

said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

closing means closing said opening and being operative to seal said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

an explosive charge connected to said closing means, said explosive charge being operative when detonated to remove said closing means from said opening.

132. An apparatus as defined in claim 130 wherein

said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

closing means closing said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

a plurality of clamping brackets for releasably retaining said closing means in sealing relation with said opening,

at least one electrically driven motor supported by said inflatable device, said electrically driven motor being in engagement with said clamping brackets and being operative when energized to move said clamping brackets so that they release said closing means from said opening.

133. An apparatus in defined in claim 129 wherein

said inflatable device includes a parachute having control lines for controlling its descent when it is recovered.

134. An apparatus as defined in claim 133 including

means for deploying said parachute, and

means for connecting said means for deploying said parachute to said means for deflating said inflatable device so that said parachute is deployed when said inflatable device is deflated.

135. An apparatus as defined in claim 134 including

radio controlled means supported by said inflatable device and being connected to the control lines for said parachute,

said radio controlled means being operative to provide directional control to said parachute as it descends.

136. An apparatus as defined in claim 129 wherein said relay station is a super pressure balloon.

137. An apparatus as defined in claims 111 or 113 including

a ground based telecommunications network, and

at least one of said ground stations is connected to said telecommunications network.

138. An apparatus as defined in claim 111 or 113 wherein

at least one of said ground stations is mobile.

139. An apparatus as defined in claim 111 or 113 wherein

at least one of said ground stations is stationary.

113. A telecommunications apparatus comprising

at least two ground stations, each of said ground stations including means for sending and receiving telecommunications signals,

at least one relay station, said relay station including means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to said ground stations and from and to others of said relay stations,

first means for identifying the current altitude or location of said relay station,

second means for identifying a predetermined altitude or a fixed predetermined location over the earth for said relay station, said predetermined altitude being between about 12 to 35 miles, and

and means on said relay station for moving said relay station from said current altitude and location to said predetermined altitude or fixed predetermined location over the earth for sending and receiving signals to and from said ground stations and said other relay stations.

114. An apparatus as defined in claim 113 wherein

said means for controlling said relay station at said predetermined altitude or location comprises a thrust system,

said thrust system comprises a plurality of elements, and

means for selectively energizing selected ones of said plurality of elements so that the direction in which said relay station moves is controlled.

140. A relay station for a high altitude sub-orbital telecommunications system which is to be disposed at a predetermined altitude of between about 12 to 35 miles and at a fixed predetermined location over the earth comprising

means for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to ground stations and from and to other relay stations, and

means for controlling the vertical and lateral movement of said relay station so that said predetermined altitude and said fixed predetermined location of said relay station is achieved and maintained for sending and receiving said telecommunications signals to and from said ground stations and said other relay stations.

141. An apparatus as defined in claim 140 wherein

said means for maintaining said relay station at said predetermined altitude and location comprises a thrust system, and

means for energizing said thrust system.

142. An apparatus as defined in claim 140 wherein

said means for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of said relay station so that a predetermined altitude and location of said relay station is achieved and maintained comprises

first means for identifying the current altitude and location of said relay station, and

second means for identifying a predetermined altitude and location for said relay station, and

an energizable thrust system on said relay station, said thrust system being selectively operative to move said relay station from its current altitude and location to said predetermined altitude and location.

143. An apparatus as defined in claim 141 wherein

said means for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of said relay station so that a predetermined altitude and location of said relay station is achieved and maintained comprises

first means for identifying the current altitude or location of said relay station, and

second means for identifying a predetermined altitude or location for said relay station, and

an energizable thrust system on said relay station, said thrust system being selectively operative to move said relay station from its current altitude or location to said predetermined altitude or location.

144. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said thrust system comprises propellers.

145. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said thrust system comprises rockets.

146. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said thrust system comprises jets.

147. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting solar energy to electric energy.

148. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting wind energy to electric energy.

149. An apparatus as defined in claim 142 or 143 wherein

said means for energizing said thrust system includes means for receiving and converting microwave energy to electric energy.

150. An apparatus as defined in claim 149 including

at least one ground based microwave transmitter, and

means for aiming a microwave beam at said microwave receiving means on said relay station.

151. An apparatus as defined in claim 150 including

at least one microwave transmitter based on said relay station, and

means on said relay station for aiming a microwave beam at said receiving means on another relay station.

152. An apparatus as defined in claim 140 wherein

said relay station comprises a balloon.

153. An apparatus as defined in claim 152 wherein

said balloon includes means for controlling the temperature of the gas that it contains.

154. An apparatus as defined in claim 153 wherein

said balloon includes a skin, and

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of electro-chromatic material.

155. An apparatus as defined in claim 154 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

156. An apparatus as defined in claim 154 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

157. An apparatus as defined in claim 155 wherein

said balloon includes a skin, and

at least a portion of said skin is comprised of photo-chromatic material.

158. An apparatus as defined in claim 156 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

159. An apparatus as defined in claim 157 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

160. An apparatus as defined in claim 152 wherein

said balloon includes means for controlling its altitude.

161. An apparatus as defined in claim 160 wherein

said balloon comprises a zero pressure balloon.

162. An apparatus as defined in claim 160 wherein

said balloon comprises an overpressure zero pressure balloon.

163. An apparatus as defined in claim 162 wherein

said balloon comprises a super pressure balloon.

164. An apparatus as defined in claim 140 wherein

said relay station is lighter than air.

165. An apparatus as defined in claim 164 wherein

said means for controlling said lateral movement comprises a thrust system, and

electric means for driving said thrust system.

166. An apparatus as defined in claim 164 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of propellers.

167. An apparatus as defined in claim 164 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of rockets.

168. An apparatus as defined in claim 164 wherein

said thrust system comprises a plurality of jets.

169. An apparatus as defined in claim 164 wherein

said relay station comprises an inflatable device, and

means connected to said inflatable device for deflating it while it is aloft.

170. An apparatus as defined in claim 169 wherein

said means for deflating said inflatable devices is operative in response to a signal from a remote source.

171. An apparatus as defined in claim 170 wherein said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

a cover closing said opening and being operative to seal said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

an explosive charge connected to said cover, said explosive charge being operative when detonated to remove said cover from said opening.

172. An apparatus as defined in claim 170 wherein said means for deflating said inflatable device includes

an opening in said inflatable device,

a cover closing said opening against the escape of gases from said inflatable device, and

a plurality of clamping brackets for releasably retaining said cover in sealing relation with said opening,

at least one electrically driven motor supported by said inflatable device, said electrically driven motor being in engagement with said clamping brackets and being operative when energized to move said clamping brackets so that they release said cover from said opening.

173. An apparatus in defined in claim 169 wherein

said inflatable device includes a parachute for controlling its descent when it is recovered.

174. An apparatus as defined in claim 173 including

means for deploying said parachute, and

means for connecting said means for deploying said parachute to said means for deflating said inflatable device so that said parachute is deployed when said inflatable device is deflated.

175. An apparatus as defined in claim 173 including

radio controlled means supported by said inflatable device and being connected to the control lines for said parachute, and

said radio controlled means is operative to provide directional control to said parachute as it descends.