초록 ▼

A global communications network comprises a plurality of aerial platforms or vehicles deployed at an altitude in or near the stratosphere and permitted to drift in a controlled manner such that each platform adjusts its position relative to other aerial platforms. Each aerial platform has a propulsi

A global communications network comprises a plurality of aerial platforms or vehicles deployed at an altitude in or near the stratosphere and permitted to drift in a controlled manner such that each platform adjusts its position relative to other aerial platforms. Each aerial platform has a propulsion system and control surfaces and preferably includes a lighter-than-air component to maintain lift in an economical manner. Each aerial platform also includes a payload, means for communicating with other aerial platforms and a control system including location-finding equipment and a processor adapted for directing the platform's propulsion system and control surfaces to effectuate changes in the aerial platform's position relative to other aerial platforms based on position information, and optionally on other factors such as terrestrial demand for services provided by the payload of the aerial platforms. The communications network according to the present invention accordingly provides a self-adjusting network for creating and maintaining a global communications link optionally capable of interoperating with one or more orbiting communications satellites or with ground, air or sea-based equipment.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communications network for providing communications coverage around the earth, the network comprising:a multiplicity of aerial platforms distributed around the earth in the stratosphere approximately 18-45 km above the earth, each platform permitted to drift within the

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A communications network for providing communications coverage around the earth, the network comprising:a multiplicity of aerial platforms distributed around the earth in the stratosphere approximately 18-45 km above the earth, each platform permitted to drift within the stratosphere but maintained within line of sight distance from the adjacent neighboring platforms;a ground station for communicating control signals to any two platforms for substantially increasing the distance between said two platforms while maintaining communication links with said two platforms;each aerial platform comprising a lighter than air portion and a heavier than air portion suspended from the lighter then air portion;each platform comprising means for directional propulsion in response to a control signal and for remaining airborne for a period of time, said platform including communications electronics for sending communication signals to and receiving them from other aerial platforms, and control electronics coupled to the communications electronics, said control electronics adapted to generate a control signal for directing the platform to another location in response to communication signals received from another platforms.