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Method and system for supporting an airborne vehicle in space

  • US 5,074,489 A
  • Filed: 10/02/1989
  • Issued: 12/24/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/03/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of supporting an airborne vehicle in space over a predetermined location and for an extensive period, comprising:

  • coupling the airborne vehicle by cables to a plurality of unmanned aircraft each having its own propulsion system;

    controlling the unmanned aircraft to fly in circular orbits at equally-spaced angles around the airborne vehicle while coupled to the airborne vehicle, to tension the cables and thereby to support the airborne vehicle in spaced over said predetermined location;

    supplying the airborne vehicle, while supported in space over said predetermined location, with energy from an external source; and

    transferring energy from said airborne vehicle to said unmanned aircraft to maintain the unmanned aircraft in flight over an extended or indefinite period of time.

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