Patent — available for licensing
Powered Kite with Enhanced Aerial Position Control
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Inventors at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center have developed Skyvator, a kite-based aerial observation tool that uses a single tether to effectively position the kite and adjust it to the required altitude. Currently, most kite systems require multiple tethers to support kite positioning adjustments, resulting in increased aerodynamic drag and presenting operational and handling challenges. The Skyvator can be effectively positioned with a single tether due to its airfoil rigid wing design that provides an efficient lifting surface as well as a power system that is located in the lifting surface. Skyvator, as part of NASA's Aeropod family of low-altitude custom remote sensing platform craft, also overcomes many of the challenges presented by drones for aerial observation including regulatory and training hurdles, limited times, and infrastructure costs.