One embodiment provides an azimuthal pointing system for scientific ballooning. An apparatus, method and/or system are configured to drive a motor to twist a torsion member of a torsion pendulum and to utilize a restoring force of the torsion member to adjust a pointing direction (i.e., pointing angle) of a payload. The torsion pendulum includes the torsion member, the payload and the motor. The payload is coupled to the torsion member by the motor.

One embodiment provides an azimuthal pointing system for scientific ballooning. An apparatus, method and/or system are configured to drive a motor to twist a torsion member of a torsion pendulum and to utilize a restoring force of the torsion member to adjust a pointing direction (i.e., pointing angle) of a payload. The torsion pendulum includes the torsion member, the payload and the motor. The payload is coupled to the torsion member by the motor.

A hot air balloon steering system for steering a hot air balloon includes a hot air balloon that includes a basket. A stand unit is movably coupled to the basket. The stand unit abuts a support surface thereby facilitating the basket to be spaced from the support surface when the hot air balloon is not in flight. A sail unit is movably coupled to the basket. The sail unit captures air when the hot air balloon is in flight. Moreover, the sail unit steers the hot air balloon when the hot air balloon is in flight.

A hot air balloon steering system for steering a hot air balloon includes a hot air balloon that includes a basket. A stand unit is movably coupled to the basket. The stand unit abuts a support surface thereby facilitating the basket to be spaced from the support surface when the hot air balloon is not in flight. A sail unit is movably coupled to the basket. The sail unit captures air when the hot air balloon is in flight. Moreover, the sail unit steers the hot air balloon when the hot air balloon is in flight.

A method of fabricating a high-altitude balloon. The method includes coextruding at least two adjacent continuous layers of extrudate, extrusion-bonding the layers of extrudate to one another along an edge of the sheets of extrudate to form a seam, and cooling the extrudate.

A method of fabricating a high-altitude balloon. The method includes coextruding at least two adjacent continuous layers of extrudate, extrusion-bonding the layers of extrudate to one another along an edge of the sheets of extrudate to form a seam, and cooling the extrudate.

The system can include: a vehicle 100 and a stabilizer 200. However, the system can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicular transport (e.g., via a cabin). Additionally, the system can provide impact attenuation and/or mitigate rebound of the vehicle during a water landing. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to provide aquatic stabilization of the vehicle and/or cabin thereof. However, the system 100 can provide any other suitable functionalities.

The system can include: a vehicle 100 and a stabilizer 200. However, the system can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system functions to facilitate vehicular transport (e.g., via a cabin). Additionally, the system can provide impact attenuation and/or mitigate rebound of the vehicle during a water landing. Additionally or alternatively, the system can function to provide aquatic stabilization of the vehicle and/or cabin thereof. However, the system 100 can provide any other suitable functionalities.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for manufacturing a balloon envelope including a duct for high altitude balloons. In one example, a first sheet of material may be provided. A premade duct may be arranged at least partially on the first sheet of material. The duct may include a first substance on an internal surface. A second sheet of material may be arranged over at least a portion of the duct. A heat sealing device may be applied to the second sheet of material to heat seal the first sheet of material to the second sheet of material. The heat sealing device may be applied over at least a portion of the duct in order to seal external surfaces of the duct to each of the first and second sheets of material and form a balloon gore. The first substance may keep the duct from being sealed to itself.

An example can include a pod detachably coupled to a hull. At least one thrust generator can be fixed to the pod. A power source can be mounted to the pod and slideable fore and aft. A power source actuator can be coupled between the pod and the power source to translate the location of the power source with respect to the pod. A sensor can be coupled to the pod to detect a pitch of the hull and provide a pitch signal. A controller can be coupled to one or more of the power source, the power source actuator, the first and second thrust generators and the sensor. The controller can maintain a pitch of the hull by translating the power source within the pod in association with the pitch signal.