Sceye, a High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) manufacturer, recently announced that it successfully reached the stratosphere on June 14, 2022, where the main aim was to demonstrate the ability of the manufacturer to stay over an area of operation for months while using renewable energy sources. The test launch which utilised patented solar and battery technologies to power has put Sceye on a roadmap to expand wireless connectivity to remote locations, monitor greenhouse gas emissions accurate to individual emitters and also detect natural calamities as they begin. The company also announced test flights for Q3 and Q4 of 2022.
“Today’s test flight holds extraordinary potential for stratospheric discovery,” said Sceye founder and CEO, Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen. “By maintaining position in the stratosphere for extended periods of time, we can begin realizing the promises of the stratosphere for life on Earth. Universal internet access, methane monitoring, and wildfire detection are all at our fingertips.”
“We are thrilled to see years of research and development culminating in this milestone moment,” said David Kim, Sceye’s Chief Technology Officer. “It is the very best application of material science pushing the boundaries of near space.”
Chief of Mission Operations, Stephanie Luongo, said, “This launch is the second of six in our test program this year intended to verify payload and automated flight while ensuring safe operations. We’re excited to learn more from upcoming flight tests planned for late summer and fall.”
The main objective of the launch according to the company were:
Test durability and performance of renewable power systems in the stratosphere.
Demonstrate the ability to stay over an area of operation.
Maintain a constant float altitude in the stratosphere.
Sceye’s design for the HAPS is in the form of a balloon that claims to lift a plethora of payloads for applications such as connectivity, earth observation and scientific research. The hull fabric can tolerate extreme temperatures and the environment of the stratosphere and can optimise strength, helium retention and thermal management, according to the company.
