Abstract: An apparatus for lowering an orbit of a space object includes an envelope, an inflation system for inflating the envelope, an inflation control system for controlling the inflation system, and attachment hardware for connecting the apparatus and the space object. Inflating the envelope increases an effective drag area of the envelope for increasing atmospheric drag on the envelope.

Abstract: A device to provide control of the trajectory of a lighter than air vehicle, such as a balloon, is provided. A lifting device, such as a wing on end, is suspended on a tether well below the balloon to take advantage of the natural variation in winds at different altitudes. The wing can generate a horizontal lift force that can be directed over a wide range of angles. This force is transmitted to the balloon by the tether. Due to this force, the balloon's path is altered depending on the relative sizes of the balloon and the wing. A relatively small amount of power is needed to control the system, possibly with a rudder. As the energy of the wind provides most of the force, the wind's energy does most of the work. The balloon is able to avoid hazards, to reach desired targets, to select convenient landing zones, and to provide other operational advantages.

Abstract: An orienting device controls two tilt degrees of freedom of one or more suspended objects by raising supporting cables on one or two sides of the objects while lowering the cables on the opposite sides. Two separately controlled sets of tilt cables adjust two independent tilt degrees of freedom. An example is a stack of solar panels hanging below the gondola of a scientific balloon. The panels are automatically pointed in the same direction by the parallelogram-like arrangement of the cables. By manipulation of the cables, the stack of panels can be pointed in essentially any direction despite rotation of the gondola about the vertical axis in a way that eliminates any twisting of cables or need for slip rings. Additional cables deploy the stack of panels as well as restow them very compactly and securely inside the protective base of the gondola. These deployment/retraction cables are arranged to manipulate the tilt cables to prevent tangling or snagging during restowing.