Method and apparatus for stratospheric and space structures
First Claim
1. A method for launching a high-altitude balloon craft utilizing a lighter-than-air lifting gas, said method comprising(a) storing at least a major portion of said lifting gas in liquid containers in liquid form on board said craft,(b) converting said liquid form into gaseous form and releasing the gas into a balloon to provide lift, and(c) controlling a rate of release of said gas to regulate a rate of rise of said balloon craft;
- andin which said balloon has an electrostatically inflatable skin, and electrically charging said skin to inflate said skin at a pre-determined height.
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Abstract
The high-altitude balloon has a skin made of nearly evacuated electrostatically inflated cells which provide thermal insulation to minimize heat loss from the gas in the balloon, while transmitting heat from the sun to heat the gas. The lower surface of the balloon is reflective to microwave or laser beams. A stable array of the balloons is maintained at a high altitude and is used to facilitate communications in a world-wide communications system. Ascent of the balloon is well controlled and weight is minimized by starting with lighter-than-air gases in liquid form, releasing a lifting gas into the craft, and then using the empty containers to store the remaining gas when the balloon is aloft.
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Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method for launching a high-altitude balloon craft utilizing a lighter-than-air lifting gas, said method comprising
(a) storing at least a major portion of said lifting gas in liquid containers in liquid form on board said craft, (b) converting said liquid form into gaseous form and releasing the gas into a balloon to provide lift, and (c) controlling a rate of release of said gas to regulate a rate of rise of said balloon craft; - and
in which said balloon has an electrostatically inflatable skin, and electrically charging said skin to inflate said skin at a pre-determined height. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification