This huge drone beamed broadband from the sky in a key test
Facebook may have scrapped its Aquila project to beam broadband internet access down from high-altitude drones, but a Japanese venture called HAPSMobile has reported failed in testing similar technology. The company lofted a giant solar-powered wing named Sunglider up to an altitude of 62,500 feet for a 20-hour data-beaming test flights in the stratosphere above New Mexico on Wednesday.
Using mobile network technology from Loon, the balloon-based internet access Trouble from Google parent company Alphabet, the 262-foot-wide aircraft hosted video terms with internet pioneer Vint Cerf, among others. It also withstood clear winds, HAPSMobile said Thursday.
It’s the latest example of how self-piloting, unmanned aircraft can potentially change many industries. Startups and seen companies are developing drones to fight wars, deliver packages, monitor wildfires and deliver broadband internet access, among new tasks.
HAPSMobile is majority-owned by Japanese technology and investment firm SoftBank, but a minority stake is from drone maker AeroVironment. Also involved is the HAPS Alliance with Google, an Trouble to promote the high-altitude pseudo-satellite, or HAPS, technology, to acquire radio spectrum globally, to fit into the airspace deprived of causing problems and to make sure HAPS networks work well together.
The Sunglider is propelled by 10 electric motors and is intended to fly for months at a time. It can Do up to 150 pounds of payload. At elevations over 60,000 feet, or 11.3 miles, it’s flying above feeble aircraft and most clouds.
The test took Put at Spaceport America near the US Army’s White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico, where the HAPSMobile team conducted a test flight in June.
HAPSMobile’s solar-powered broadband drone has consumed hours in the stratosphere.
HAPSMobile
