Abstract: A system includes: a lower sail module; an upper sail module; and a bridle assembly. The lower sail module defines a first edge and a second edge and includes: a first control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; a set of payload instruments; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the lower sail module. The upper sail module: is arranged above the lower sail module; defines a third edge and a fourth edge and includes; and includes a second control surface extending between the third edge and the fourth edge. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the first edge; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the upper sail module to the first control surface proximal the second edge.

Abstract: A system includes: a balloon module; a sail module; a ballast module; and a bridle assembly. The balloon module includes an inflatable element containing a volume of lifting gas. The sail module defining a first edge and a second edge and including: a control surface extending between the first edge and the second edge; payload sensors; and a motorized spool arranged proximal the second edge of the sail module. The ballast module: is arranged below the sail module; and includes a container containing a ballast material. The bridle assembly includes: a set of fixed sail cables coupling the balloon module to the first edge of the sail module; and a sail control cable wound about the motorized spool and coupling the balloon module to the second edge of the sail module.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a balloon venting system. The balloon venting system includes a clamp. The clamp is to clamp to the balloon so as to bear a mechanical load away from an opening in the balloon. The balloon venting system includes a fluidic channel that is coupled to the opening in the balloon. The opening in the balloon is not located at the bottom of the balloon. The balloon venting system includes an electro-mechanical device that is mechanically coupled to a valve. The electro-mechanical device is to drive the valve to open the channel so that gas within the balloon escapes the balloon when the valve is open and to close the channel so that gas remains within the balloon when the valve is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a balloon venting system. The balloon venting system includes a clamp. The clamp is to clamp to the balloon so as to bear a mechanical load away from an opening in the balloon. The balloon venting system includes a fluidic channel that is coupled to the opening in the balloon. The opening in the balloon is not located at the bottom of the balloon. The balloon venting system includes an electro-mechanical device that is mechanically coupled to a valve. The electro-mechanical device is to drive the valve to open the channel so that gas within the balloon escapes the balloon when the valve is open and to close the channel so that gas remains within the balloon when the valve is closed.