An innovative technology will be launched in August in Japan, with the deployment of a giant stratospheric balloon for 5G signal transmission. The initiative, led by the North American company Sceye, seeks to offer a new approach to connectivity in specific regions.
Approximately 60 meters long, the balloon will travel across the Pacific Ocean before reaching the Japanese coast. It will be positioned at an altitude of 18 kilometers, where it will function as a complement to operator Softbank’s network infrastructure, using a specialized antenna to distribute the signal to users on land.
The technological solution used is known as a high-altitude platform station, or HAPS, for its acronym in English. Companies developing this area aim to improve connectivity in disaster scenarios and optimize observation of the planet. One of the main advantages is that, as it is significantly closer to the surface than low-orbit satellites, this configuration requires a lower energy demand for signal transmission, resulting in lower latency and reduced operational costs for certain applications.
Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO of Sceye, highlighted the operational benefits of the system. According to him, the company is able to replicate space-like conditions with a considerable reduction in costs and complexity, when compared to traditional satellite launches.
However, the main difficulty of the undertaking lies in the ability to maintain the balloon in its exact position and guarantee its uninterrupted operation. The structure was developed to be light, allowing it to float, but also robust enough to support the entire transmission apparatus. Solar panels are used to generate energy during the day, powering electric fans that adjust the balloon’s position, counteracting the action of the winds.
The effectiveness of the Sceye system has already been demonstrated in a recent test flight, carried out off the Brazilian coast. The aircraft remained in the air for 12 consecutive days, remaining stable for more than 88 hours in several locations. The primary purpose of these missions is to help telephone operators provide coverage more effectively in areas with high population density.