Patent ID: 8985499
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: B64B,B64F,G01S,H02S,H04B,Y02A,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a rigid buoyant platform apparatus operating in the low stratosphere, comprising: providing a large platform floating in the low stratosphere constructed from a plurality of mechanically connected small platforms, constructing each of said small platforms from a mechanically and electrically connected collection of similarly-configured platform modules, and providing each of said small platforms with a tether mechanically connecting the small platform to the ground; wherein each of said similarly-configured platform modules comprises a rigid truss structure containing a gas bag filled with a lighter-than-air gas; floating at least one of said small platforms to the low stratosphere; positioning at least one other small platform on the ground adjacent the tether or tethers of the at least one floating small platform; connecting the at least one other small platform to said adjacent tether or tethers by a corresponding boom or booms; deploying the at least one other small platform vertically to the large platform.