CPC B64B 1/64 (2013.01) [B64B 1/40 (2013.01); B64B 1/62 (2013.01)] | 21 Claims |
1. A system for launching an aerostat, the system comprising:
an inflatable structure defining a volume having a neck;
a reactor defining a chamber;
a coupling releasably secured in fluid communication between the chamber and the neck;
a drain valve within the volume, the drain valve in a first position away from the neck to receive a lifting gas from the chamber into the volume via the coupling, the drain valve movable from the first position to a second position when the coupling is released from fluid communication between the chamber and the neck, and the drain valve in the second position in sealed engagement with the inflatable structure along the neck to control accumulation of condensate from the lifting gas within the volume; and
one or more tethers coupled to the drain valve, wherein at least one of the one or more tethers is tensionable to move the drain valve from the first position to the second position.
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