A lighter than air platform an unfinned envelope having two or more propulsion elements coupled with the unfinned envelope proximate to the center of gravity. At least one navigation sensor is configured to monitor an actual flight path of the unfinned envelope, and at least one perturbation sensor is configured to monitor one or more perturbations of the unfinned envelope. A navigation controller is configured to guide the unfinned envelope with coordinated propulsion of the two or more propulsion elements. The navigation controller includes a navigation comparator that compares the actual flight path with a specified flight path of the unfinned envelope and determine a navigation instruction. A perturbation comparator compares the navigation instruction with the monitored one or more perturbations to determine a perturbation compensation. A propulsion coordinator controls propulsion values of each of the propulsion elements based on the navigation instruction and the perturbation compensation.

A system includes: a lower sail module; an upper sail module; and a bridle assembly. The lower sail module defines a first edge and a second edge and includes: a first control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a set of payload instruments; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the lower sail module. The upper sail module: is arranged above the lower sail module; defines a third edge and a fourth edge and includes; and includes a second control surface extending between the third edge and the fourth edge. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the first edge; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the second edge.

A lighter than air platform an unfinned envelope having two or more propulsion elements coupled with the unfinned envelope proximate to the center of gravity. At least one navigation sensor is configured to monitor an actual flight path of the unfinned envelope, and at least one perturbation sensor is configured to monitor one or more perturbations of the unfinned envelope. A navigation controller is configured to guide the unfinned envelope with coordinated propulsion of the two or more propulsion elements. The navigation controller includes a navigation comparator that compares the actual flight path with a specified flight path of the unfinned envelope and determine a navigation instruction. A perturbation comparator compares the navigation instruction with the monitored one or more perturbations to determine a perturbation compensation. A propulsion coordinator controls propulsion values of each of the propulsion elements based on the navigation instruction and the perturbation compensation.

A system includes: a balloon module; a sail module; a ballast module; and a bridle assembly. The balloon module includes an inflatable element containing a volume of lifting gas. The sail module defining a first edge and a second edge and including: a control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; payload sensors; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the sail module. The ballast module: is arranged below the sail module; and includes a container containing a ballast material. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the balloon module to the first edge of the sail module; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the balloon module to the second edge of the sail module.

A lighter than air platform an unfinned envelope having two or more propulsion elements coupled with the unfinned envelope proximate to the center of gravity. At least one navigation sensor is configured to monitor an actual flight path of the unfinned envelope, and at least one perturbation sensor is configured to monitor one or more perturbations of the unfinned envelope. A navigation controller is configured to guide the unfinned envelope with coordinated propulsion of the two or more propulsion elements. The navigation controller includes a navigation comparator that compares the actual flight path with a specified flight path of the unfinned envelope and determine a navigation instruction. A perturbation comparator compares the navigation instruction with the monitored one or more perturbations to determine a perturbation compensation. A propulsion coordinator controls propulsion values of each of the propulsion elements based on the navigation instruction and the perturbation compensation.

A system includes: a lower sail module; an upper sail module; and a bridle assembly. The lower sail module defines a first edge and a second edge and includes: a first control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a set of payload instruments; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the lower sail module. The upper sail module: is arranged above the lower sail module; defines a third edge and a fourth edge and includes; and includes a second control surface extending between the third edge and the fourth edge. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the first edge; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the second edge.