Solar Platform Station Will Hover in the Stratosphere to Provide Internet Connection

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Companies like Starlink are advancing us into the “internet everywhere” direction. However, these satellite internet solutions are still costly and don’t provide the same speeds as regular on-the-ground providers. But what if you could put aircraft in the stratosphere and beam internet from there? That’s the idea behind the Sceye HAPS (High-Altitude Platform Station), which uses solar panels to hover in the stratosphere for prolonged periods.

Compared to satellites, Sceye’s solution is way easier and less expensive to launch, and more energy efficient. It’s an airship, too, filled with hydrogen, so hovering should take less energy. According to its maker, it should hover between 60,000 to 65,000 ft (18,288 to 19,812 m), or almost twice as high as commercial airlines. The airship uses gallium selenide and gallium arsenide solar cells, which would be more efficient at that altitude since clouds are almost non-existent in the stratosphere.

Sceye already tested the airship in 2021, with the maiden flight taking place at 64,600 ft (19,690 m). Last month, Sceye tested the charging system of the built-in batteries, with the airship staying at 61,000 ft (18,593 m) between 7:36 AM on August 16 to 12:21 PM on August 17. Meanwhile, during the first flight in 2021, the company tested the built-in 4G active antenna array with beam-forming technology, with a reach of 87 miles (140 km).

Sceye is based in Roswell, New Mexico, and already works with the State of New Mexico on providing the Navajo Nation with universal broadband access. However, the airship can also be used for scientific research. Particularly, Sceye will utilize the airship to measure methane emissions, as part of a five-year US Environmental Protection Agency study.

The company recently received new funds from the Mawarid Holding Company (“Mawarid”), so it’s gearing up for a commercial flight in 2025. “The Series C round is a critical milestone for Sceye. These funds will accelerate our platform development and commercial roadmap, paving the way for the commercialization of our HAPS technology in 2025. Our partnership with Mawarid opens new territories and market opportunities for our innovative solutions.” said Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO and Founder of Sceye.

Ashton Henning