A balloon system including a balloon, and optionally including a payload and/or a safety module. A balloon, preferably including a balloon envelope and one or more passive vents, and optionally including one or more active valves. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including maintaining a zero-pressure balloon condition and sealing balloon vents, and optionally including ascending, descending, and/or otherwise operating the balloon system in flight.

An aerospace vehicle system, preferably including one or more capsules, and optionally including one or more propulsion modules and/or safety modules. A capsule, preferably including a pressure vessel including a structural frame and one or more windows, and optionally including a cabin. In alternate embodiments, the system can additionally or alternatively function as a terrestrial vehicle, a watercraft, and/or any other suitable vehicle. A method of operation, preferably including operating the aerospace vehicle system in flight, while maintaining a pressure differential between the pressure vessel interior and an environment surrounding the system.

A balloon system, preferably including a balloon and a payload. A balloon, preferably including a plurality of gores, a plurality of load members, and an apex fitting. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including deflating a balloon, and optionally including operating the balloon system in flight and/or landing the balloon system.

A balloon system including a balloon, a payload, and a safety module. A safety module, preferably including a tether and a parachute, and optionally including a cover and/or a drogue. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including operating the balloon system in flight and descending under a parachute.

An aerospace vehicle system, preferably including one or more capsules, and optionally including one or more propulsion modules and/or safety modules. A capsule, preferably including a pressure vessel including a structural frame and one or more windows, and optionally including a cabin. In alternate embodiments, the system can additionally or alternatively function as a terrestrial vehicle, a watercraft, and/or any other suitable vehicle. A method of operation, preferably including operating the aerospace vehicle system in flight, while maintaining a pressure differential between the pressure vessel interior and an environment surrounding the system.

A balloon system including a balloon, a payload, and a safety module. A safety module, preferably including a tether and a parachute, and optionally including a cover and/or a drogue. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including operating the balloon system in flight and descending under a parachute.

Aspects of the technology relate to an environmental sensor system that uses different types of detector units as part of an onboard lightning detection and evaluation system for a high altitude platform (HAP) operating in the stratosphere. These sensor suites may be employed with balloons and other high altitude platforms during operation in the stratosphere. Onboard data processing and analysis may be done either in real time or on stored data sets. The processing system can use the gathered sensor information to mitigate issues related to lightning-related transients. The information can also be used in route planning and real-time navigation of HAPs when hazardous conditions are detected. It can also be employed in a back-end control system for long-term route planning and fleet management.

A high altitude balloon. A plurality of layers of coextruded extrudate are formed in a seamless sheet in a shape that defines a balloon envelope. Delaminator layers may be interposed between two or more of the layers of extrudate.

A high altitude balloon. A plurality of layers of coextruded extrudate are formed in a seamless sheet in a shape that defines a balloon envelope. Delaminator layers may be interposed between two or more of the layers of extrudate.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a mechanical fuse having a first component having an opening in a lower wall and a ledge arranged around the opening and a second component having a top surface with a threaded opening arranged therein. The top surface of the second component may be oriented towards the first component such that the top surface is arranged entirely below the lower wall in order to enable the first component and the second component to pivot relative to one another at the bolt. The mechanical fuse may also include a bolt having a neck including a reduced cross-sectional area portion, and the bolt is configured to break and separate the first component from the second component when a predetermined amount of force is transmitted from the first component to the reduced cross-sectional area portion via the pivoting.