Compact System to Capture Aerial Payloads (C-CAP)

To achieve the program objective of safely capturing a slow-moving aerial payload, we will develop a system comprising a) a custom designed, powered UAV (carrying sensors and parachute/parafoil) launched using a latex balloon from Space Data Corporation to target altitude and using wind drift algorithms to target vicinity; b) releasing the UAV to fly to target and attach the parachute/parafoil to target gondola; c)  severing the target balloon via UAV fly-through; and d) initiating a guided descent using the parachute/parafoil. Aside from the purpose-developed UAV, our architecture relies on GFE and COTS for major subsystems, minimizing non-recurring engineering effort. NextGen has experience in UAV design, development, and flight testing; Space Data Corporation COTS balloon systems provide ascent method and UAV release subsystem; OSU has extensive experience in high-altitude ballooning, flight testing, guidance, navigation, and control; OSU has also developed algorithms which enables delivery of UAV in close proximity to target balloon. Thus, the team has the combined experienced needed to successfully achieve the CAPTURE Program goals. The resulting system will be compact and low-cost with a high probability of mission success.