H.E.R.A. (High-altitude Electric Research Aircraft) Utilizing several cutting-edge technologies this high altitude research platform can stay aloft indefinably. Built to study sprites, cosmic rays, and other high altitude phenomenon, It's electric fuel cells can be recharged either by surface based lasers beaming power to a collecter at the base of the aircraft or by atmospheric electrostatic differential when surface laser power is not available. It has 24 independent electric thrusters besides the four heavy boom thrusters, and can stay aloft with only 20% of these operational. When it does need to land for crew rotation or maintenance it is equipped with four large parachutes for a water landing (AG1). It can them be resupplied and repaired by a specially built tender ship. Give it full power upon takeoff. When it starts to pitch up move the VTOL to the top position quickly. Use the TRIM to balance the thrust for a smooth ride up into the stratosphere. (the crew have nicknamed her Lucy because of her diamond shape and the trippy nature of spending months in the upper reaches of the sky.)