An example reusable high-altitude balloon system includes a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end with an aperture and an apex fitting that is positioned within the aperture. A clamp applies a pressure to a plurality of pleated folds formed in the perimeter of the aperture around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at the perimeter of the aperture. The reusable high-altitude balloon system further includes control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.

An example reusable high-altitude balloon system includes a balloon with a first end supporting a payload and a second end with an aperture and an apex fitting that is positioned within the aperture. A clamp applies a pressure to a plurality of pleated folds formed in the perimeter of the aperture around the apex fitting to form an air-tight seal against the balloon at the perimeter of the aperture. The reusable high-altitude balloon system further includes control circuitry that controllably releases the apex fitting from the balloon to initiate a descent sequence.

An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system is disclosed including a ground station and one or more aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles are autonomous systems capable of communicating intelligence data to the ground station and be used as part of a missile delivery package. A plurality of aerial vehicles can be configured to cast a wide net of reconnaissance over a large area on the ground including smaller overlapping reconnaissance areas provided by each of the plurality of the aerial vehicles.

An intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance system is disclosed including a ground station and one or more aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles are autonomous systems capable of communicating intelligence data to the ground station and be used as part of a missile delivery package. A plurality of aerial vehicles can be configured to cast a wide net of reconnaissance over a large area on the ground including smaller overlapping reconnaissance areas provided by each of the plurality of the aerial vehicles.

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, 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.

Aspects of the technology relate to altitude control and lateral propulsion systems in lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms configured to operate in the stratosphere. For instance, an LTA platform may include an envelope filled with lift gas and a payload for providing telecommunication or video services. A fault or failure condition with one or more components of these systems, or with the envelope of the LTA platform itself, can prevent a high altitude platform (HAP) from operating as intended, or otherwise reduce its useful life. Onboard systems are configured to handle adverse conditions, such as a fault or failure of the envelope, an altitude control system component, or the lateral propulsion system. This may be done according to one or more ranked lists of adverse operational conditions. Different conditions may map to different corrective actions, which may be prioritized in importance, for instance to reduce the chance of catastrophic system failure.

Aspects of the technology relate to altitude control and lateral propulsion systems in lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms configured to operate in the stratosphere. For instance, an LTA platform may include an envelope filled with lift gas and a payload for providing telecommunication or video services. A fault or failure condition with one or more components of these systems, or with the envelope of the LTA platform itself, can prevent a high altitude platform (HAP) from operating as intended, or otherwise reduce its useful life. Onboard systems are configured to handle adverse conditions, such as a fault or failure of the envelope, an altitude control system component, or the lateral propulsion system. This may be done according to one or more ranked lists of adverse operational conditions. Different conditions may map to different corrective actions, which may be prioritized in importance, for instance to reduce the chance of catastrophic system failure.

The technology relates to a storm avoidance system for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle. The storm avoidance system can include a mechanical actuation system, a balloon envelope comprising a ballonet, and a valve configured to allow air to escape the ballonet. When the storm avoidance system is engaged, the mechanical actuation system can open the valve, thereby allowing air to escape the ballonet and causing the LTA vehicle to ascend to an altitude above a storm altitude. In some cases, a state of the LTA vehicle can be detected, and the storm avoidance system can be engaged in response to the detected state. In some cases, a proximity of the LTA to a low population area can be determined, and the LTA vehicle can be caused to land in the low population area.

The technology relates to a storm avoidance system for a lighter than air (LTA) vehicle. The storm avoidance system can include a mechanical actuation system, a balloon envelope comprising a ballonet, and a valve configured to allow air to escape the ballonet. When the storm avoidance system is engaged, the mechanical actuation system can open the valve, thereby allowing air to escape the ballonet and causing the LTA vehicle to ascend to an altitude above a storm altitude. In some cases, a state of the LTA vehicle can be detected, and the storm avoidance system can be engaged in response to the detected state. In some cases, a proximity of the LTA to a low population area can be determined, and the LTA vehicle can be caused to land in the low population area.