The present invention ensures that when condensation forms in a container for a flying object, water from the condensation does not adversely affect an object in the container. Container 12 is a cabin of a gas balloon and comprises Main Body 121, which is an airtight container for accommodating Crew Member H1 and is filled with Air 122, Condensation Promoting Member 123 is made of a material that has a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and is partly exposed to the inside of Main Body 121 and partly exposed to the outside of Main Body 121. Water Collecting Vessel 124 is positioned below the portion of Condensation Promoting Member 123 exposed to the inside of Main Body 121 and collects water from condensation formed on Condensation Promoting Member 123. Conduit 125 directs water collected by Water Collecting Vessel 124 to Water Collection Container 126. Condensation forms on Condensation Promoting Member 123, a temperature of which is lower than that in Main Body 121, and thus condensation does not form on Main Body 121.

A cargo airship is disclosed. The cargo airship may include a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the airship and including a propulsion device. The cargo airship may further include a payload bay comprising an external cargo area located outside of the hull. The cargo airship may also include a cargo handling system including at least one hoisting mechanism configured to lift cargo into the external cargo area while the airship is hovering.

A cargo airship is disclosed. The cargo airship may include a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the airship and including a propulsion device. The cargo airship may further include a payload bay comprising an external cargo area located outside of the hull. The cargo airship may also include a cargo handling system including at least one hoisting mechanism configured to lift cargo into the external cargo area while the airship is hovering.

Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.

An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship.

An airship is provided. The airship includes a hull configured to contain a gas, at least one propulsion assembly coupled to the hull and including a propulsion device, and at least one aerodynamic component including a plurality of fairing structures including one or more slats, wherein the at least one aerodynamic component is associated with the hull and is configured to direct airflow around the airship.

A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A releasable payload return vehicle, wherein the payload return vehicle generates aerodynamic forces while it is mated to the cargo airship.

A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A releasable payload return vehicle, wherein the payload return vehicle generates aerodynamic forces while it is mated to the cargo airship.

Rigid structural-frame dirigible comprising an internal framework divided in internal zones fixedly clearly separated and sealingly isolated therebetween through rigid partition means in fixed union with the internal frame itself, and suitable for being evacuated to a vacuum regime, respectively forming as many vacuum zones (3A; 3B; 3C).

Rigid structural-frame dirigible comprising an internal framework divided in internal zones fixedly clearly separated and sealingly isolated therebetween through rigid partition means in fixed union with the internal frame itself, and suitable for being evacuated to a vacuum regime, respectively forming as many vacuum zones (3A; 3B; 3C).