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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Methods of reducing wing type parachute opening shock during a parachute drop, and parachute systems with reduced opening shocks are disclosed, the opening force reduction is achieved by dynamic braking, i.e. dynamically adjusting the canopy control lines during the inflation stage of the canopy. Typically, the control lines are set to zero brake length when the parachute canopy is released from the deployment bag, and are at least shortened during the inflation stage, optionally all the way to full brake. Optionally the control lines are also lengthened prior to completion of the canopy inflation. Other features and parachute systems are also disclosed.

Methods of reducing wing type parachute opening shock during a parachute drop, and parachute systems with reduced opening shocks are disclosed, the opening force reduction is achieved by dynamic braking, i.e. dynamically adjusting the canopy control lines during the inflation stage of the canopy. Typically, the control lines are set to zero brake length when the parachute canopy is released from the deployment bag, and are at least shortened during the inflation stage, optionally all the way to full brake. Optionally the control lines are also lengthened prior to completion of the canopy inflation. Other features and parachute systems are also disclosed.

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.