The system 100 can include a balloon system 110 and a set of spools 120. The system can optionally include a set of actuators 130. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system can function to facilitate balloon launch preparation and/or launch of a balloon vehicle system. The system can additionally function to facilitate controlled stand-up of a balloon.

The system 100 can include a balloon system 110 and a set of spools 120. The system can optionally include a set of actuators 130. However, the system 100 can additionally or alternatively include any other suitable set of components. The system can function to facilitate balloon launch preparation and/or launch of a balloon vehicle system. The system can additionally function to facilitate controlled stand-up of a balloon.

A system is described to control the flight path of a parafoil. The physical control mechanism is a series of actuators embedded within the parafoil canopy that open a series of meshed venting systems in the upper surface of the parafoil canopy. Opening and closing the meshed venting system changes the forces and moments acting on the parafoil canopy in a consistent manner such that it can be used for flight control. The meshed venting system includes an internal sealing flap and a mesh member.

A system is described to control the flight path of a parafoil. The physical control mechanism is a series of actuators embedded within the parafoil canopy that open a series of meshed venting systems in the upper surface of the parafoil canopy. Opening and closing the meshed venting system changes the forces and moments acting on the parafoil canopy in a consistent manner such that it can be used for flight control. The meshed venting system includes an internal sealing flap and a mesh member.

A container for aerial delivery of a payload is disclosed. The container is comprised of a fixed box, a lid adapted to close the fixed box, and a sleeve surrounding the fixed box. The sleeve is movable between a first, collapsed position and a second, extended position.

A container for aerial delivery of a payload is disclosed. The container is comprised of a fixed box, a lid adapted to close the fixed box, and a sleeve surrounding the fixed box. The sleeve is movable between a first, collapsed position and a second, extended position.

Disclosed herein are parachute canopies and sliders for use with parachutes. The parachute canopies can include one or more deformable vent panels that can be used to control an inflation rate of the canopies based on an internal pressure within the canopies. The sliders can include strips that form through holes that have a width that distributes a radial load on suspension lines and allow for the use of lower weight, high modulus suspension lines.

Disclosed herein are parachute canopies and sliders for use with parachutes. The parachute canopies can include one or more deformable vent panels that can be used to control an inflation rate of the canopies based on an internal pressure within the canopies. The sliders can include strips that form through holes that have a width that distributes a radial load on suspension lines and allow for the use of lower weight, high modulus suspension lines.

Parachutes which have a generally circular skirt or hem, such as semi-hemispherical, extended gore, or any variant of axisymmetric parachutes and cruciform parachutes with arms attached are disclosed with a plurality of vertical slits located in a circumferential band adjacent the skirt or hem of the parachute to prevent canopy inversion. During deployment, when the outer portion of the canopy is exposed to air flow, the slits open up and the drag of the skirt of the canopy is reduced, thus limiting the potential for hem migration. The slits are positioned to allow airflow therethrough in order for the pressure on the outside of the canopy to be transferred through the slit openings and released or transferred to inside of the lower section of the canopy. Instead of slits, elongated narrow openings can be utilized.