Floating internet hub at 60,000 feet to reconnect crisis-hit areas

Sceye, a U.S. aerospace company specializing in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), is developing a floating internet hub designed to operate in the stratosphere at altitudes between 60,000 and 65,000 feet. This platform aims to provide persistent, high-quality internet connectivity and environmental monitoring, particularly in remote or disaster-affected areas where terrestrial networks are compromised or unavailable. Powered by solar arrays and high-density lithium-sulfur batteries, the helium-buoyant system can remain airborne for months to a year, maintaining stable positioning even in challenging wind conditions. Its robust design includes enhanced gas-tightness and resistance to UV and ozone, and it has completed over 20 test flights. The project recently secured investment from SoftBank Corp., which plans a pre-commercial HAPS flight in Japan in 2026. SoftBank views this technology as a critical infrastructure component for the upcoming 6G era, complementing terrestrial networks and satellite constellations by offering faster speeds,