Aspects of the technology include an automated system for launching lighter-than-air high altitude platforms (HAPs), in particular balloon-type HAPs. A launch system and process are employed that use cameras to observe balloon sway and other factors. A control system detects the angle and position of the balloon gas bubble in relation to the payload in real time in view of wind and other environmental factors. This, in turn, enables the control system to automatically actuate the release mechanism and launch the balloon system at a selected point in time. This mitigates issues that can occur with manual operator-controlled launches, and increases the likelihood of a successful HAP deployment in the stratosphere. Models created via machine learning enable the system to determine criteria indicating a likelihood of a successful launch. These models may be sued by the control system in order to select an appropriate point for launching the platform.


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    Titel :

    OPTICALLY ASSISTED BALLOON LAUNCH SYSTEM


    Beteiligte:
    CHEN LEO (Autor:in) / SMITH JAMES (Autor:in) / GARTNER KEEGAN (Autor:in)

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    17.06.2021


    Medientyp :

    Patent


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch


    Klassifikation :

    IPC:    B64B LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AIRCRAFT , Luftfahrzeuge leichter als Luft / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT / B64F GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT , Boden- oder Flugzeugträgerdeckeinrichtungen besonders ausgebildet für die Verwendung in Verbindung mit Luftfahrzeugen



    OPTICALLY ASSISTED BALLOON LAUNCH SYSTEM

    CHEN LEO / SMITH JAMES / GARTNER KEEGAN | Europäisches Patentamt | 2021

    Freier Zugriff

    The Balloon Assisted Launch System - A heavy lift balloon

    Grant, Debora / Rand, James | AIAA | 1999


    Kestrel balloon launch system

    NEWMAN, M. | AIAA | 1991


    Kestrel balloon launch system

    M. J. Newman | NTIS | 1991