The development of a station-keeping platform in the stratosphere has long been an unattainable goal in the ballooning and LTA community. The applications of such a platform and the problems associated with operating such a platform are obvious. In past attempts, the goals of payload size and operational concepts have proven to be insurmountable. The use of a large, expensive system necessitated complicated ground launch and recovery systems. Miniaturization of electronic systems has allowed a usable payload of less than 25 kg. This light weight payload has allowed the use of a small, inexpensive aerostat that will be destroyed at the end of its mission. The overall shape of the system is a simple hemisphere on cylinder on cone blimp shape. There are several unique aspects of this system that help alleviate some of the problems of size and complexity. The first is that the system is small enough and inexpensive enough to consider the hull disposable. Design details along with flight test results will be presented.
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