Florida Patent of the Month – February 2023
Space Perspective Inc. is creating the possibility for a life-changing journey to the edge of space – in a balloon. The flight offers passengers an unrivaled view of the earth as they float up to 100,000 feet above the planet’s surface, traveling at a leisurely pace of 12 mph. Unlike traditional high-altitude flights, Space Perspective offers a comfortable and luxurious experience with amenities that include a bar and restroom.
A unique experience isn’t the only thing being developed by the company. The technology achieves a smooth ride, eliminating any g-force side effects. The balloon is designed with Earth in mind, minimizing the impact on the environment by using a parachute system in place of rockets.
Space Perspective’s novel balloon system uses a parachute to deploy the balloon, which is connected to the payload via a tether. This design solves a significant problem in traditional balloon systems, where the parachute interferes with the payload’s proper opening. The tether that connects the balloon to the payload allows the parachute to deploy correctly, ensuring safe and smooth operations. The balloon is filled with a lighter-than-air fluid, like helium or molecular hydrogen, in order to float up and through the air. This lighter-than-air fluid causes the balloon to pull up, floating above air, and creating an upward force which ensures the connection between parachute and payload remains taut.
When deployed, the parachute creates a drag force, slowing the descent of the balloon. The parachutes complement the existing, primary system, offering a backup and emergency solution to always ensure a safe landing.
Space Perspective’s innovative approach to balloon systems has opened up opportunities for research and exploration in areas that were previously inaccessible. The company’s design is a revolutionary step forward in aerospace technology, and it opens up the possibility of new commercial ventures and scientific research.
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