A valve assembly for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided and includes an inlet tube, a shuttle, a base plate, a screw assembly, and a spacer block. The shuttle is partially disposed within the inlet tube and is configured to be placed in a first position where the shuttle abuts the inlet tube and a second position where the outer surface is disposed in spaced relation to the inlet tube. The base plate extends between a first end portion that defines a cavity therein and a second end portion. The screw assembly is disposed within the cavity of the base plate and is coupled to a portion of the shuttle. The spacer block is interposed between the second end portion of the inlet tube and the first end portion of the base plate and is configured to maintain the inlet tube and the base plate in spaced relation.

A valve assembly for use with an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided and includes an inlet tube, a shuttle, a base plate, a screw assembly, and a spacer block. The shuttle is partially disposed within the inlet tube and is configured to be placed in a first position where the shuttle abuts the inlet tube and a second position where the outer surface is disposed in spaced relation to the inlet tube. The base plate extends between a first end portion that defines a cavity therein and a second end portion. The screw assembly is disposed within the cavity of the base plate and is coupled to a portion of the shuttle. The spacer block is interposed between the second end portion of the inlet tube and the first end portion of the base plate and is configured to maintain the inlet tube and the base plate in spaced relation.

Systems and methods for producing mixed lifting gases (e.g., hydrogen gas and steam) for filling balloons are described. In some embodiments, controlling an altitude of a balloon includes combining a reactant and water to produce hydrogen gas and steam, and flowing the hydrogen gas and steam into the balloon to increase a buoyancy of the balloon.

Systems and methods for producing mixed lifting gases (e.g., hydrogen gas and steam) for filling balloons are described. In some embodiments, controlling an altitude of a balloon includes combining a reactant and water to produce hydrogen gas and steam, and flowing the hydrogen gas and steam into the balloon to increase a buoyancy of the balloon.

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.

An air vehicle comprises a payload vessel, a propulsion system, and a buoyancy lifting unit anchored on said payload vessel. The buoyancy lifting unit comprises a plurality of balloons and a plurality of buoyancy gas reservoirs arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, a protractible rod, and a control system. Each of the balloons and buoyancy gas reservoirs is tethered to a lifting-joint on the protractible rod through a cable. The control system controls vertical move of the air vehicle to ascend through directing buoyancy gas flow from the buoyancy gas reservoirs into the balloons, and to descend through directing buoyancy gas flow from the balloons into the buoyancy gas reservoirs. The propulsion system controls horizontal move of the air vehicle to go forward and make turns.

An air vehicle comprises a payload vessel, a propulsion system, and a buoyancy lifting unit anchored on said payload vessel. The buoyancy lifting unit comprises a plurality of balloons and a plurality of buoyancy gas reservoirs arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns, a protractible rod, and a control system. Each of the balloons and buoyancy gas reservoirs is tethered to a lifting-joint on the protractible rod through a cable. The control system controls vertical move of the air vehicle to ascend through directing buoyancy gas flow from the buoyancy gas reservoirs into the balloons, and to descend through directing buoyancy gas flow from the balloons into the buoyancy gas reservoirs. The propulsion system controls horizontal move of the air vehicle to go forward and make turns.

A flight vehicle including a frame having a bottom side configured to receive a user harness, port and starboard wings extend from port and starboard sides of the frame. Each wing may include at least one helium wing bag. The flight vehicle also includes a helium backpack secured to a top side of the frame, the helium backpack including an inflatable main helium bag configured for holding a main volume of helium. Each of the at least one helium wing bag may be fluidically isolated from the main helium bag. The flight vehicle may include a rigid base member, the inflatable main helium bag joined to an upper surface of the rigid base member via an elastic expansion member.

A flight vehicle including a frame having a bottom side configured to receive a user harness, port and starboard wings extend from port and starboard sides of the frame. Each wing may include at least one helium wing bag. The flight vehicle also includes a helium backpack secured to a top side of the frame, the helium backpack including an inflatable main helium bag configured for holding a main volume of helium. Each of the at least one helium wing bag may be fluidically isolated from the main helium bag. The flight vehicle may include a rigid base member, the inflatable main helium bag joined to an upper surface of the rigid base member via an elastic expansion member.

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.