CPC B64B 1/30 (2013.01) [B64B 1/44 (2013.01); B64D 35/00 (2013.01); B64D 2211/00 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A balloon apparatus for lighter-than-air operation in the stratosphere comprising:
a balloon envelope;
a support plate with a proximal end and a distal end;
a payload including:
a control system having at least one of a control system processor and a memory;
wherein the control system controls independent rotation of the payload;
a connecting member suspended from the balloon envelope;
wherein the connecting member couples the balloon envelope with the proximal end of the support plate; and
wherein the connecting member couples the support plate with the payload; and
a propulsion system including:
a propeller assembly coupled with the distal end of the support plate;
a control assembly including at least one control assembly processor, electronic module and a coupling member coupled to the support plate and configured to rotate the propulsion assembly coupled to the support plate about the connecting member;
wherein the control system is configured to control the independent rotation of the payload about the connecting member independently from the rotation of the support plate about the connecting member.
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