In a groundbreaking development, a remarkable 200-foot-long solar-powered aircraft from New Mexico-based Sceye is set to launch as early as August. This innovative craft, resembling a giant silver bullet, will navigate the dry southwestern U.S. airspace before making its way across the Pacific to Japan. Once it reaches its destination, the aircraft will position itself approximately 18 kilometers above the ocean’s surface in the stratosphere. Its primary mission will be to augment Softbank’s 5G network, facilitating direct data transmission to various devices.
Sceye is part of a growing cohort of companies developing high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). These craft, which can take the form of planes, balloons, or specialized airships filled with helium and solar panels, aim to provide a multitude of services, including internet connectivity in disaster-stricken areas and Earth observation. The stratosphere, where Sceye plans to operate, offers a strategic advantage by enabling extensive coverage with significantly reduced energy consumption compared to low-orbit satellites. According to Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO and founder of Sceye, this technology provides ‘space-like conditions without the expense and complexity of actual space operations.’
However, maintaining position in the stratosphere presents unique challenges. The Sceye aircraft must balance lightweight construction with durability to carry essential systems. It must also efficiently capture and store solar energy to ensure continuous power for its electric fan, which is crucial for repositioning the platform in response to wind currents. A successful test flight earlier this year demonstrated the aircraft’s capabilities, as it remained airborne for 12 days, including over 88 hours parked in various locations. Looking to the future, Sceye envisions its platform revolutionizing internet service delivery in urban areas, potentially making the sight of HAPS as common as ships in a harbor or trains on tracks.
Source: This flying solar-powered platform could deliver better internet from the air via MIT Technology Review