Abstract: An aerial balloon system comprising a payload platform suspended from an inflated balloon by means of a balloon cable, and an anchoring cable attaching the platform to an anchor point beneath it. The balloon cable and anchoring cable are attached to the payload platform by means of a connecting element pivotally attached to the platform. The platform may include a servo controlled pitch stabilizing system using the input from a pitch sensor mounted on the platform to control an angular actuator to change the angle which the platform makes with the pivoted connection element. Additionally, the platform may include a servo controlled orientation stabilizing system using the input from an orientation sensor mounted thereon to control the departure of the orientation of the platform from a predetermined orientation. This may be readily accomplished using a variable pitch rotor, the pitch being controlled by the orientation sensor signal.

Abstract: An aerial platform comprising a kite providing a level of directional stability when elevated by the wind, and an inflated balloon attached above the kite with a cord. The payload is attached to the kite. The physical separation of the balloon from the kite isolates the payload from shocks generated by the balloon. Additional isolation is provided by use of an elastic attachment cord. Electric power is supplied to the aerial platform by means of an optical fiber receiving optical power from a ground-based source, and conversion of the optical power to electrical power on board the platform. In order to provide a strong tether line, the optical fiber is plaited with a jacket braided from high tensile strength fibers. An aerial laser transmitter is described using a ground based laser source transmitting laser power through an optical fiber to an aerial platform for transmission from the platform.

Abstract: An aerial balloon system comprising a payload platform suspended from an inflated balloon by means of a balloon cable, and an anchoring cable attaching the platform to an anchor point beneath it. The balloon cable and anchoring cable are attached to the payload platform by means of a connecting element pivotally attached to the platform. The platform may include a servo controlled pitch stabilizing system using the input from a pitch sensor mounted on the platform to control an angular actuator to change the angle which the platform makes with the pivoted connection element. Additionally, the platform may include a servo controlled orientation stabilizing system using the input from an orientation sensor mounted thereon to control the departure of the orientation of the platform from a predetermined orientation. This may be readily accomplished using a variable pitch rotor, the pitch being controlled by the orientation sensor signal.

Abstract: An aerial platform comprising a kite providing a level of directional stability when elevated by the wind, and an inflated balloon attached above the kite with a cord. The payload is attached to the kite. The physical separation of the balloon from the kite isolates the payload from shocks generated by the balloon. Additional isolation is provided by use of an elastic attachment cord. Electric power is supplied to the aerial platform by means of an optical fiber receiving optical power from a ground-based source, and conversion of the optical power to electrical power on board the platform. In order to provide a strong tether line, the optical fiber is plaited with a jacket braided from high tensile strength fibers. An aerial laser transmitter is described using a ground based laser source transmitting laser power through an optical fiber to an aerial platform for transmission from the platform.