METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A LOW COST, LONG DURATION HIGH ALTITUDE INSTRUMENT PLATFORM UTILIZING UNMANNED AIRBORNE VEHICLES

摘要

A system and method of operating a payload from a high altitude platform. The method involves docking a high-altitude vehicle (10) to a launch vehicle (20). The launch vehicle carries the high-altitude vehicle (10) to an operating altitude where the high-altitude vehicle (10) is released. The payload onboard is placed into operation at the operating altitude. The high-altitude vehicle is replenished as necessary while the high-altitude vehicle (10) is in flight from a replenishment vehicle (20) allowing the high-altitude vehicle to remain in an on-station status. At the completion of the high altitude vehicle flight, the high-altitude vehicle (10) is retrieved from the operating altitude and returned to the surface.