An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.

A method for sheltering a balloon, a blimp, or airship. The method includes obtaining a first guideway by detachably attaching a first plurality of detachable rings to a first side of an outer surface of the balloon, placing a first rope into the first guideway by passing the first rope through the first plurality of detachable rings, attaching a first end of the first rope to a first point of a blanket, and pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction.

A method for sheltering a balloon, a blimp, or airship. The method includes obtaining a first guideway by detachably attaching a first plurality of detachable rings to a first side of an outer surface of the balloon, placing a first rope into the first guideway by passing the first rope through the first plurality of detachable rings, attaching a first end of the first rope to a first point of a blanket, and pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction pulling the blanket over the balloon by pulling a second end of the first rope in a first direction.

A control system for a tethered aerostat is provided, where at least one rotational and at least one translational degree of freedom are controlled to setpoints through the variation of tether lengths by an actuator system. The term tether includes a single tether, a tether group or a sub section of tether controlled by an individual actuator. Accurate rotational and translational control is essential for the successful operation of an aerostat under several applications, including surveillance, weather monitoring, communications, and power generation. For a given use case, the controller can be constructed and arranged to manage the tradeoff between several key performance characteristics, such as transient performance, steady-state pointing accuracy, tether tension regulation, and power generation.

A control system for a tethered aerostat is provided, where at least one rotational and at least one translational degree of freedom are controlled to setpoints through the variation of tether lengths by an actuator system. The term tether includes a single tether, a tether group or a sub section of tether controlled by an individual actuator. Accurate rotational and translational control is essential for the successful operation of an aerostat under several applications, including surveillance, weather monitoring, communications, and power generation. For a given use case, the controller can be constructed and arranged to manage the tradeoff between several key performance characteristics, such as transient performance, steady-state pointing accuracy, tether tension regulation, and power generation.

Provided is a system comprising a projector; and a control device, wherein the control device includes a projector position information acquisition unit for acquiring projector position information indicative of a position of the projector, a flight vehicle position information acquisition unit for acquiring flight vehicle position information indicative of a position of a flight vehicle on which a solar cell panel is mounted, and an irradiation direction control unit for controlling an irradiation direction of light emitted from the projector, based on the projector position information and the flight vehicle position information.

Provided is a system comprising a projector; and a control device, wherein the control device includes a projector position information acquisition unit for acquiring projector position information indicative of a position of the projector, a flight vehicle position information acquisition unit for acquiring flight vehicle position information indicative of a position of a flight vehicle on which a solar cell panel is mounted, and an irradiation direction control unit for controlling an irradiation direction of light emitted from the projector, based on the projector position information and the flight vehicle position information.

A floating unit and a supply system for a floating unit having a bendable connection element and a platform. The platform includes at least one connection point for storing the at least one floating unit. The at least one connection point includes an additional interface for connecting a first interface of the at least one floating unit wherein the bendable connection element is threaded through the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit.

A floating unit and a supply system for a floating unit having a bendable connection element and a platform. The platform includes at least one connection point for storing the at least one floating unit. The at least one connection point includes an additional interface for connecting a first interface of the at least one floating unit wherein the bendable connection element is threaded through the clamping unit of the at least one floating unit.

A supply system for connecting a first vehicle has a platform, a first vehicle, a bendable connection element with one end connected with the first vehicle and another end connected with the platform and at least one floating unit for lifting the bendable connection element at least partly over a minimum floating height. The at least one floating unit is attachable to the bendable connection element distant from the first vehicle.