US 11,772,808 B2
Despin and rotational control architectures for lighter-than-air high altitude platforms
Aaron Fan, Redwood City, CA (US); Jonathan Nutzmann, Redwood City, CA (US); Christopher Bowles, Hollister, CA (US); and Ewout van Bekkum, Sunnyvale, CA (US)
Assigned to Aerostar International, LLC, Sioux Falls, SD (US)
Filed by Aerostar International, LLC, Columbia, MD (US)
Filed on Nov. 17, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/950,094.
Prior Publication US 2022/0153424 A1, May 19, 2022
Int. Cl. B64D 31/06 (2006.01); B64D 27/24 (2006.01); B64B 1/30 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 31/06 (2013.01) [B64B 1/30 (2013.01); B64D 27/24 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of operating a lighter-than-air high altitude platform (HAP) in the stratosphere, the method comprising:
calculating, by one or more processors of the HAP, an offset to achieve a selected lateral propulsion target heading for a lateral propulsion assembly of the HAP;
determining, by the one or more processors, whether to adjust the selected lateral propulsion target heading to an adjusted lateral propulsion target heading based on an accuracy threshold of the offset;
spinning down a propeller of the lateral propulsion assembly when a rotation amount in accordance with the offset exceeds a gyroscopic force threshold of the HAP; and
controlling rotation, by the one or more processors, of a stepper motor of the lateral propulsion assembly according to either the selected lateral propulsion target heading or the adjusted lateral propulsion target heading.