Hispasat and Thales Alenia Space are preparing a stratospheric balloon demonstration for 4G/5G telecom applications — a further step in the development of the Stratobus concept.
Hispasat, the Spanish satellite communications operator, and Thales Alenia Space (TAS), the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33 %), are preparing a stratospheric balloon demonstration for 4G/5G telecom applications.
Scheduled for October 2018 in southern Spain, the demonstration will test 4G/5G applications by allowing direct communications between smartphones and a stratospheric balloon simulating a High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS). The balloon will be supplied by a Spanish firm, Zero 2 Infinity.
The tests mark a further step in the incremental development of TAS's Stratobus concept. Stratobus is a stratospheric airship designed to combine the best of drones and satellites to provide a low-cost system that offers autonomous operation and permanent regional coverage, while offering an excellent fit with satellite systems.
Positioned at an altitude of 20km, the system is aimed at a wide range of civil or military applications, including telecommunications, navigation and surveillance.