U.S. Navy awarded a research contract to Global Near Space Services ("GNSS") to develop a two stage lighter than air ("LTA") unmanned air system ("UAS"). The GNSS program developed a clean, cost-effective satellite-type capability utilizing a high altitude upper-stage shaped LTA coupled with an unpiloted detachable, flying, lower stage UAS containing sensor systems. GNSS subcontracted to Bye Engineering Partners to design the solar-electric flyable lower stage, 'stratospheric recovery vehicle' or SRV detachable UAS.