SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERCEPTING INTRUDING STRATOSPHERIC BALLOONS

Abstract

System and method for intercepting intruding stratospheric balloons. The method comprises: receive (102, 104) a high-altitude wind profile (6) and a position (P0) of an intruding stratospheric balloon (2); Determine (106, 108), using the high-altitude wind profile (6), a future trajectory (10) of the intruding stratospheric balloon (2) and ascending trajectories (11a, 11b) of an intercepting stratospheric balloon (5) that intercept the future trajectory (10) at different positions (PF1, PF2); select (110) an upward path (11a); to perform a launch (112) of the intercepting stratospheric balloon (5) at a launch location (Li) and time (tL1) associated with the selected upward trajectory (11a); detect (114) deviations of the trajectory followed by the interceptor stratospheric balloon (5) during ascent with respect to the selected ascending trajectory (11a) and correct such deviations by activating a flight control system (12) of the interceptor stratospheric balloon (5); and activate (116) an interception apparatus (13) of the intercepting stratospheric balloon (5) once the interception (15) of the intruding stratospheric balloon (2) occurs.

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