A geostationary platform is held afloat by a superpressure balloon. A suitable altitude is 25 km. The craft carries electrohydrodynamic thrusters, to overcome winds, held within a scaffold. Sensors determine position, velocity, acceleration and vector. A CPU performs instructions for station-keeping or navigation. A communication system is included to, inter alia, receive instructions from the ground. The craft carries a payload for observation and transmission, cradled in a temperature-controlled chamber. Power to the platform is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves (with suitable frequencies including microwaves of 2.45 GHz or 5.8 GHz) from a ground-based transmitter to a receiving antenna on, or affixed to, the balloon which converts the electromagnetic energy to direct current. A step-up voltage converter increases the voltage as required. A ground station monitors craft position and operational efficiency by radar to help ensure safe takeoff, operation, and landing of the craft.
GEOSTATIONARY HIGH ALTITUDE PLATFORM
2018-10-11
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch