Patent ID: 8061648

Claim:
A launch apparatus for a multi-cell balloon system comprising: a fabric launch bag which protects a tow balloon of said multi-cell balloon system from high winds while filling said tow balloon with lifting gas, and subsequently which quickly releases said tow balloon into the air; a deployment bag which during launch and initial ascent compactly contains a main balloon attached to said tow balloon of said multi-cell balloon system, said deployment bag and main balloon together forming a packed main balloon, and subsequently which deploys said main balloon in a controlled fashion at an appropriate altitude; and a launch cradle which prior to launch supports said packed main balloon and a payload to be carried aloft by said multi-cell balloon system, maintaining the buoyant and non-buoyant elements in proper orientation, to one another as the launch apparatus moves around with the wind, and which during launch releases said packed main balloon and payload at an appropriate angle as said tow balloon rises.