Near-space operation systems
A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.
1. A method of ascending a payload to a high altitude and descending the payload from the high altitude, the method comprising:
ascending the payload via a propulsion system to the high altitude;
separating the payload from the propulsion system;
deploying a drogue parachute to decelerate the payload;
controlling a length of a line connected to the drogue parachute, wherein at least a portion of the line is stiffened using a drogue stiffener; and
descending the payload using a parafoil.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the length comprises stiffening at least a portion of the line.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the line comprises a bridle line that includes the drogue stiffener.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the length comprises stiffening multiple portions of a bridle line using a drogue stiffener.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the length comprises controlling a compressive resistance of the line.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein controlling the length comprises positioning the drogue parachute beyond a wake of the payload.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein ascending the payload comprises using a lighter-than-air system.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high altitude is at least a 50,000 foot altitude.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the payload comprises an unmanned system.
10. A method of ascending a payload to a high altitude and descending the payload from the high altitude, the method comprising:
ascending a payload via a propulsion system;
separating the payload from the propulsion system;
deploying a drogue parachute via a bridle line to decelerate the payload after separation from the propulsion system, wherein deploying the drogue parachute comprises positioning the drogue parachute beyond a wake of the payload using a drogue stiffener;
controlling a compressive resistance of the bridle line; and
descending the payload using a parafoil.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein controlling the compressive resistance of the bridle line is performed using a drogue stiffener.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein ascending the payload comprises using a lighter-than-air system.
13. The method of claim 10 , wherein the payload comprises an unmanned system.
14. A method of ascending a payload to a high altitude and descending the payload from the high altitude, the method comprising:
ascending a payload to the high altitude;
descending the payload from the high altitude;
deploying a drogue parachute using a line stiffened by a drogue stiffener; and
guiding the payload to ground using a parafoil.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising controlling a length and compressive resistance of the line connected to the drogue parachute.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein ascending the payload comprises using a lighter-than-air system.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the payload comprises an unmanned system.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the line comprises a bridle line that includes the drogue stiffener.
19. The method of claim 14 , wherein the high altitude is at least a 50,000 foot altitude.
20. The method of claim 10 , wherein the high altitude is at least a 50,000 foot altitude.