Abstract: An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a connection of mobile user equipment to a core network, and a communication network are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a multi-channel communication link between a user equipment at a first location and a plurality of aerial vehicles, determining that the user equipment is moving whereby a loss of connectivity via the multi-channel communication link may occur, and subsequently, via a handover step, transferring communication between the user equipment and a core network from communication via the multi-channel communication link to communication via a single channel communication link provided by a respective aerial vehicle.

Abstract: A floating pet confinement system for the recreational enjoyment of small pet owners that enables a pet to safely float on water while remaining dry and confined. The system has a buoyant base that can be inflatable or molded. Holes are formed in the top surface of the buoyant base. A pet enclosure with an open bottom is set atop the top surface. The pet enclosure engages the holes on the buoyant base when the pet enclosure is upright. However, the pet enclosure is free to disengage from the holes and fall away from the buoyant base should the buoyant base tip. A pet is placed within the enclosure atop the buoyant base. Should the buoyant base tilt past a certain angle of inclination, the pet enclosure will fall away from the buoyant base. The pet is then free to exit the enclosure through the open base of the enclosure.

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 for lifting a load to a desired altitude using an evacuated hollow lift body is disclosed. Once evacuated, the apparatus is lighter than the surrounding atmosphere. The lift body can be formed as a hollow fluid tight structure with a tube wound and sealed in a helical pattern or a dual membrane structure with a pressurized intermediate volume sandwiched between inner and outer membranes. A load can be attached to the apparatus and lifted to an altitude where the effective density of the apparatus and load is equivalent to the density of the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: Non-conductive films for constructing lighter than air balloons are provided. A non-conductive film may include multiple layers of gas barrier polymers. An outer surface printable layer and an interior heat or ultrasonically sealable layer may also be included. Each gas barrier film may include multiple (e.g., from 3 to approximately 75) barrier layers. A gas barrier core has a nano-layer structure. A gas barrier core may also include a biodegradable film or a bio-based film. A non-conductive film may include a metal layer for enhancing gas barrier properties. The metal layer may be discontinuous. The metal layer may be conductive and coated with an insulating top coat.

Abstract: An example method for launching a high-altitude balloon includes securing a launch collar around a balloon envelope to form a choke point separating an upper portion of the balloon envelope from a lower portion of the balloon envelope. The balloon envelope is structurally secured to a launch platform via a tether that is coupled to the launch collar. The launch collar is configured such that release of the launch collar from the choke point releases the balloon envelope from the launch platform.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle may include an envelope having a plurality of tendons and formed from a first plurality of gores. The aerial vehicle may also include one or more ballonets arranged within the envelope. An outer membrane may be arranged around at least part of the envelope and formed from a second plurality of gores. The outer membrane may include at least one panel attached at one side to the outer membrane between a pair of the second plurality of gores and attached at an opposite side to the envelope. The outer membrane may be arranged to improve aerodynamics of the envelope when the aerial vehicle is in flight.

Abstract: An altitude control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle includes a compressor assembly defining a plenum therein, a passive valve assembly coupled to a first portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum, and an active valve assembly coupled to a second portion of the compressor assembly and in fluid communication with the plenum. A method of controlling an altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: A cover for a rawinsonde balloon includes a cover main body with an inner surface forming inner space and an outer surface. The rawinsonde balloon is inserted into the inner space of the cover main body. Further, the cover includes an inlet, positioned at a preliminary free end of the cover main body, for allowing the rawinsonde balloon to be inserted into the inner space and the cover additionally includes an inlet control member for controlling a size of the inlet and fixing a controlled size of the inlet. Furthermore, the cover includes a plurality of basic cover fixing members formed or located respectively at a plurality of basic preliminary fixed ends on the outer surface.

Abstract: A balloon system, preferably including a balloon and a payload. A balloon, preferably including a plurality of gores, a plurality of load members, and an apex fitting. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including deflating a balloon, and optionally including operating the balloon system in flight and/or landing the balloon system.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to envelopes for aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle may include an envelope including a plurality of gores. The aerial vehicle may also include a seal arranged between a pair of the plurality of gores, the seal including six layers of envelope material heat-sealed together.

Abstract: Aspects of the technology relate to propulsion systems for high altitude, long duration balloons, such as balloons that operate in the stratosphere for weeks, months or longer. A propeller assembly is used to provide lateral directional adjustments, which allows the balloon to spend more time over a desired region, reduce the return time to the desired region, reduce fleet overprovisioning, and increases the safety case by additional controls and avoidance abilities. A control assembly manages operation of the propeller assembly, including setting the pointing direction, speed of rotation and determining when to turn on the propeller and for how long. The propulsion system including the control and propeller assemblies is rotatable around a connection member of the balloon. Such rotation is independently adjustable from any rotation of the balloon's payload. The propeller blades may be made of plastic, which reduces weight and cost while providing sufficient speed at stratospheric altitudes.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to manufacturing a balloon envelope for use in a stratospheric balloon system. For instance, a stream of polyethylene mixture us extruded through an extruder in order to orient molecules of polymer chains of polyethylene and to provide an oriented film. The oriented film is passed through an electron beam and thereby crosslinking the polymer chains to provide a cross-linked film. The cross-linked film is heat sealed to form the balloon envelope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the aerospace application field, and provides a method for flying a large balloon. In the method, a constraint apparatus is disposed on a balloon capsule to replace a roller, and the constraint apparatus is released progressively in a release process of the balloon capsule, so that the balloon capsule is released progressively and slowly before rising above a pod. This greatly reduces the impact in a flying process, makes it easier to control a flying status of the balloon capsule, and also makes related operations of onsite staffs simpler and controllable.

Abstract: A method and control system for controlling unmanned aerial vehicles to fly in coordinated manner, comprises arranging the unmanned aerial vehicles, each of which has an illumination element in a flying formation, and operating selected illumination elements to produce a display in which a pattern, shape or letters or words are detectable at a predetermined ground location.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for launching high-altitude balloons. In one aspect, a balloon launching system is provided. The balloon has a balloon envelope, a payload attached to the balloon envelope and a launching projection. The launching system includes a releasable restraint attached to the balloon between an apex and bottom of the balloon envelope. The releasable restraint is arranged to temporarily hold the balloon envelope. The launching system also includes a payload positioning assembly. The payload positioning assembly is configured to position the payload during launch of the balloon and includes a member configured to attach to the launching projection. When attached, the member is also configured to maintain the position of the payload relative to the balloon while the releasable restraint is temporarily holding the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A vent balloon for use over an air vent including an inflatable body operatively attached to a base on a proximal side, and a removable adhesive attached to a distal side of the base for attaching to an air vent. A method of using a vent balloon by removably adhering an inflatable body of the vent balloon through a base to an air vent, flowing air through the inflatable body, and inflating the inflatable body. A vent balloon for dispersing scent in a room, including an inflatable body operatively attached to a base on a proximal side, a removable adhesive attached to a distal side of the base for attaching to an air vent, and at least one scent mechanism operatively attached to the vent balloon for dispersing scent in the room. A method of dispersing scent in a room using the vent balloon.

Abstract: Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include a continuous multi-chamber super-pressure balloon (SPB). The SPB may include two, three, four or more chambers. There may be more than one such multi-chamber SPB. A ring may provide structural support between each chamber. A plurality of tendons may extend upwardly and downwardly from the ring around respective upper and lower chambers to bias each of the SPB chambers to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the continuous multi-chamber SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The multi-chamber SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The SPB may have an internal barrier separating a lift gas compartment from a variable ballast air compartment.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an azimuthal pointing system for scientific ballooning. An apparatus, method and/or system are configured to drive a motor to twist a torsion member of a torsion pendulum and to utilize a restoring force of the torsion member to adjust a pointing direction (i.e., pointing angle) of a payload. The torsion pendulum includes the torsion member, the payload and the motor. The payload is coupled to the torsion member by the motor.

Abstract: A surveillance drone is disclosed. The surveillance drone includes a gas-filled container and propellers for aerial mobility. The surveillance drone also includes an electronic surveillance sensing device positioned below the gas-filled container. The gas-filled container may be filled with a lighter than air gas such as, for example, helium.

Abstract: One example includes an altitude control system arranged in a balloon. The system includes a transparent outer chamber configured to receive incident infrared radiation. The system also includes an inner chamber comprising suspended particles configured to change the optical transmission of the inner chamber between a first state having a first transmissivity and a second state having a second transmissivity. The first transmissivity is greater than the second transmissivity. The system further includes a state controller configured to electrically activate the suspended particles to change the optical transmission of the inner chamber from the first state to the second state to change an altitude of the balloon based on the incident infrared radiation.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to systems and techniques for inspecting seals for high altitude balloons. In one example, a system may include a reflective surface, a translucent material on the reflective surface, and a movable light source configured to move along the reflective surface and provide light to the reflective surface. The light is provided such that it is reflected from the reflective surface and through the translucent material in order to backlight a balloon envelope seal for inspection. A method for inspecting a balloon envelope seal may include placing balloon envelope material on a table, forming a seal between portions of the material, moving a light over the seal, shining light onto a reflective portion of the table below the seal to backlight the seal, and inspecting the seal using the backlighting of the seal.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to techniques for manufacturing a balloon envelope. In one example, a first sheet of material for a first gore of the balloon envelope is provided. Lap seal material is arranged at least partially on the first sheet of material. A first heat seal is created between the lap seal material and the first sheet of material. A second sheet of material for a second gore of the balloon envelope is arranged over the first heat seal. A second heat seal is created between the lap seal material and the second sheet of material such that the lap seal material is configured to provide additional structural support to the balloon envelope.

Abstract: Described herein are features for a high altitude lighter-than-air (LTA) system and associated methods. The LTA may include a continuous multi-chamber super-pressure balloon (SPB). The SPB may include two, three, four or more chambers. There may be more than one such multi-chamber SPB. A ring may provide structural support between each chamber. A plurality of tendons may extend upwardly and downwardly from the ring around respective upper and lower chambers to bias each of the SPB chambers to a pumpkin shape. The SPB may use a compressor to provide a variable amount of ballast air by pumping in or expelling out ambient air. A zero-pressure balloon (ZPB) may be attached with the continuous multi-chamber SPB. The ZPB may provide lift for the system. The multi-chamber SPB may include lifting gas and ballast air to provide both lifting and descent functions. The SPB may have an internal barrier separating a lift gas compartment from a variable ballast air compartment.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a fill port apparatus for filling high altitude balloons, such as those used in communications networks, with lighter than air lift gasses. For instance, the fill port apparatus includes a tubular body portion having a passageway extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular body portion. The fill port apparatus also includes an attachment structure arranged at the first end of the tubular body portion. This structure is configured to attach to a top plate of a balloon envelope. The fill port apparatus also includes a plurality of energy directing structures arranged on an interior surface of the tubular body portion. These energy directing structures extend into the passageway from the interior surface and are each configured to contact at least one other of the plurality of energy directing structures when the tubular body portion is welded to itself.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a fill port apparatus for filling high altitude balloons, such as those used in communications networks, with lighter than air lift gasses. For instance, the fill port apparatus includes a tubular body portion having a passageway extending between a first end and a second end of the tubular body portion. The fill port apparatus also includes an attachment structure arranged at the first end of the tubular body portion. This structure is configured to attach to a top plate of a balloon envelope. The fill port apparatus also includes a plurality of energy directing structures arranged on an interior surface of the tubular body portion. These energy directing structures extend into the passageway from the interior surface and are each configured to contact at least one other of the plurality of energy directing structures when the tubular body portion is welded to itself.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to terminating flight of a balloon that may include separating a connection between a balloon envelope and a payload of the balloon. In one example, a payload separation apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket arranged to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. In another example, a system includes a flight termination assembly having a cutting edge configured to cut an opening in the envelope and a payload separation apparatus. The apparatus includes a first shaft configured to attach to the envelope, a second shaft configured to attach to the payload, a pair of arms, and a bracket configured to secure the pair of arms to the first shaft. The system also includes a controller configured to activate the cutting edge.

Abstract: A high altitude balloon, including a method and machine for manufacture, uses a perimeter border strip to couple two circular balloon panels with a lap or butt seal. Simultaneous sealing of two perimeter seals, one between the border strip and each of two balloon panels, is provided by supporting stacked balloon panels on a rotatable support and sealing around the full perimeter of the two interposed balloon panels and the border strip. The method and machine for manufacture allow for the mass production of high altitude balloons and minimize necessary material handling. The perimeter border strip can be dispensed and guided relative to the perimeter of the balloon panels for positioning before sealing together, as a bonding device is rotated relative to the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A balloon system including a balloon envelope and a ballonet positioned within the balloon envelope, and a plurality of internal panels extending within the balloon envelope between the ballonet and the balloon envelope, wherein the plurality of internal panels are attached to an outside of the ballonet and attached to an inside of the balloon envelope to support the ballonet within the balloon envelope during inflation of the ballonet.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to web interfaces for a balloon-network. For example, a computing device may display a graphical interface that provides information related to a balloon network configured to provide service in a geographic area, where the graphical interface includes a map. The computing device may receive real-time bandwidth data related to balloons in the balloon network, where the balloons are each configured to change position via altitudinal movement and via horizontal movement with respect to the ground. Based at least in part on the received real-time bandwidth data, the computing device may display, on the map, a visual representation of bandwidth information corresponding to one or more regions in the geographic area, where the visual representation of bandwidth information updates from time to time based at least in part on a change in position of one or more balloons in the balloon network.

Abstract: A method for balloon launching may include loading a pre-packaged balloon and payload into a shell structure. The pre-packaged balloon may be pulled out of its packaging in a vertical direction, for instance using a gantry crane. The gantry crane may be configured to inflate the balloon from the top of the envelope. The balloon may be inflated while substantially within the shell structure, which may provide protection from wind gusts. A vehicle, such as a heavy forklift, may provide mobility and support for the balloon and shell. Once the balloon is inflated, the vehicle may move the balloon/shell combination at a rate and direction substantially matching the current wind direction/speed. Furthermore, after reaching a zero-velocity condition relative to the wind, the vehicle may assist and/or initiate the opening of the shell. A tether connecting the balloon to the shell structure may be disconnected, allowing the balloon to launch.

Abstract: A lifting tool for opposing twisting of generally submerged ropes. The lifting tool includes a body with a center axis, an operable lock configured to selectively limit movement of a rope connector through the body, and a structure coupled to the body and configured to couple to a hoist or crane. The lifting tool also includes at least one rudder positioned at a radial distance from the center axis to oppose rotation of the lifting tool.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to fabricating high-altitude balloons having a prebuilt parachute overlying the surface of the balloon envelope to handle catastrophic envelope failures. The balloon envelope is formed from a number of gore panels. Tendons are positioned adjacent to corresponding ones of the gore panels. Each tendon is configured to carry a load caused by pressurized lifting gas within the balloon envelope. The parachute is affixed to at least some of the tendons, and covers at least a portion of the balloon envelope adjacent to the apex of the envelope. The parachute may be sewn onto the tendons. An outer surface of the parachute is covered with a UV-protective material. For instance, an aluminum coating may be vapor-deposited onto the parachute's outer surface. An IR-reflective material may cover an inner surface of the parachute.

Abstract: A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a second airship that is not positively buoyant at the launch site, launching the cargo airship, transferring lifting gas from the cargo airship to the second airship where said lifting gas is carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a solenoid chamber having a plunger configured to create an opening in a first balloon envelope of a balloon system when the solenoid chamber is actuated. The opening enables gas to evacuate from the first balloon envelope. A mixer valve having a nozzle is coupled to the solenoid chamber. The mixer valve is configured to create a gas mixture formed from the gas evacuating from the opening and atmospheric gas. A heating device is attached to the nozzle. The heating device is configured to heat the gas mixture created by the mixer valve. A second balloon envelope is attached to the nozzle. The second balloon envelope is arranged to expand in proportion to a quantity of the heated gas mixture passing through the nozzle. This expansion of the second balloon envelope creates an amount of lift for controlling descent of the balloon system.

Abstract: Systems and devices may include a thermal management device that includes a high emissivity material. The high emissivity material is configured to have a high emissivity with respect to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in a thermal infrared spectrum. The thermal management device is arrangeable on a surface of a component of a stratospheric aerial vehicle. The thermal management device is configured such that when arranged on the component of the stratospheric aerial vehicle during flight, a first side of the thermal management device faces substantially upward with respect to ground, and the second side of the thermal management device faces substantially downward with respect to the ground. The second side is shaped to retain air that is warmer than an ambient air temperature at a stratospheric altitude.

Abstract: A balloon equipped with photovoltaic means exhibiting an active face intended to receive solar rays and comprising an envelope, characterized in that the envelope comprises at least: a first zone transparent to solar rays; a second reflecting zone for said solar rays; a third zone comprising said photovoltaic means, the active face of which is directed toward the inside of said envelope; the second and third zones being positioned and cooperating in such a way as to reflect the solar rays in the direction of said third zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a volume of a ballonet are provided. In some aspects, the system may include a plurality of sensors configured to transmit a plurality of signals toward an interior surface of the ballonet and to receive the plurality of signals reflected off of the interior surface of the ballonet, a distance calculating module configured to calculate a plurality of distances from the plurality of sensors to the interior surface of the ballonet using the received plurality of signals, and a mapping module configured to create a three-dimensional surface using the calculated plurality of distances. The system may further include a measurement module configured to calculate the volume of the ballonet using the three-dimensional surface.

Abstract: An inflation diffuser including a non-rigid first section having a passageway for the passage of lift gas passing through a fill port positioned on a balloon envelope, a porous and non-rigid second section attached to the non-rigid first section, wherein the porous and non-rigid second section is comprised of a mesh material, wherein the non-rigid first section is less porous than the porous and non-rigid second section, and wherein the porous and non-rigid second section is not in contact with the balloon envelope at the end of an inflation process to direct lift gas towards the center of, and away from, the balloon envelope.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to safe arrestment and recovery of an airborne unmanned air vehicle (UAV). Specific embodiments provide a 360 degree capture engagement cage that can recover a UAV approaching from any direction. The systems described herein may be used regardless of wind direction. The systems described herein may also be used as an air-only based system. Other embodiments may be used as including both an upper and lower tether for the engagement cage.

Abstract: A method for launch of an airship includes connecting a cargo airship to a deflated second airship, launching the cargo airship, inflating the second airship with lifting gas carried by the cargo airship while aloft; and releasing the second airship from the cargo airship. A high-altitude airship launch system is also provided.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining failure modes of balloons within a balloon network are described. One example method includes: (a) determining at least one cohort balloon of a first balloon, where the first balloon is operating as part of a balloon network and where each cohort balloon shares at least one property with the first balloon, (b) determining at least one expected failure mode based at least in part on at least one failure of at least one cohort balloon, (c) determining a predicted failure mode of the first balloon based at least in part on the at least one expected failure mode, and (d) causing the first balloon to operate within the balloon network based at least in part on the predicted failure mode of the first balloon.

Abstract: A method for acquiring and tracking an in-flight or airborne target using an antenna is provided. In the acquisition process, the antenna is rotated to collect RF power data. The location of peak RF power is determined and the antenna is pointed to that location. The antenna may then undergo a search pattern on either side of that location to detect a specified drop in RF power and a modem on which to lock. In the tracking process, an algorithm allows the antenna to track the target in a pure RF mode, a GPS-based open loop pointing mode or a hybrid mode. The tracking may automatically switch between the pure RF mode and the hybrid mode, depending upon whether GPS data is available from the target.

Abstract: A balloon envelope, having a base layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and a layer of a second material, that is not EVOH, bonded to at least a portion of an outer-facing surface of the EVOH layer, is provided. The second material may be polyethylene, or a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, such as Mylar®. The envelope may also be provided with another layer of the second material bonded to at least a portion of an inner-facing surface of the EVOH layer. The combination of the EVOH layer and the layer of the second material may be less gas-permeable than the EVOH layer alone and the layer of the second material alone.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a plurality of tendons to a balloon includes a first and second plate and a cable long enough to extend around a circumference of the first plate. The first plate has a plurality of slots and one more mating ports. Each slot is configured to allow a given tendon from the plurality of tendons to extend through the first plate by inserting a tendon within the slot. The second plate has a surface with one or more mating members attached. Each mating member is configured to connect the first and second plates together by mating with at least one of the one or more mating ports. The cable is configured to pass between the first and second plates so as to couple with each tendon within the plurality of slots in order to secure the tendons to a balloon structure.

Abstract: A control system for terminating flight of a balloon having a balloon envelope is provided. The control system includes a shuttle that has one or more cutting blades. The cutting blades are configured to cut open the balloon envelope. A tubular track is attached to a section of the balloon envelope. This tubular track has a guiding portion arranged to receive and guide the shuttle along the track. The control system includes a type of releasable ballast attached to the shuttle. When the ballast is released, the ballast is configured to move the shuttle along the tubular track in order to cause at least one of the cutting blades to cut open a portion of the balloon envelope. This allows lift gas to escape from the balloon envelope.

Abstract: A system for use with a balloon having a balloon envelope is provided. The system includes a tendon assembly for mounting tendons to the balloon envelope. This tendon assembly includes a plate structure having a fill port attached to an apex of the balloon envelope and a plurality of tendons arranged over the plate structure. The fill port is configured to allow lift gas to pass into balloon envelope. Each tendon of the plurality of tendons has a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion of a given tendon is arranged to engage a first section of the plate structure. The second portion is arranged to engage a second section of the plate structure opposite of the first section. The middle portion is arranged to wrap around the fill port of the plate.

Abstract: A self-stabilizing bladder or ballonet is provided within an envelope of a balloon. The bladder includes a spheroid body comprising an equator, a top pole, a bottom pole, and an axis crossing through the top pole and the bottom pole. The distance between two poles may be less than the equatorial distance. The bladder is sized and shaped for insertion into an envelope of a balloon and is inflatable to provide altitude control for the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon having a balloon envelope formed with a plurality of adjacent envelope gores sealed together at their respective edges to form an edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores, a tape comprised of fibers applied to a centerline of each of the envelope gores, wherein the envelope gores are constructed such that the edge seam between each of the adjacent envelope gores is longer than the centerline of each of the envelope gores, and wherein a load caused by pressurized lifting gas within the balloon envelope is carried primarily by the fiber tapes on the centerlines of the envelope gores, rather than the edge seams between the adjacent envelope gores.