Aalto's Zephyr HAPS Nears Launch for Internet Services and Earth Observation
Aalto, a subsidiary of Airbus, is nearing the launch of its Zephyr concept, a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) designed to provide internet services to underserved communities and conduct Earth observation. The company is working with the UK Civil Aviation Authority to obtain flight certification, aiming to start operations in 2026.
Aalto's HAPS aircraft, known as Zephyr, has already proven its capabilities with a 67-day flight over the Indian Ocean to Australia. The company, backed by investors such as NTT Docomo and Mizuho Bank, has completed long-term tests with Zephyr, bringing the technology closer to flight readiness.
Meanwhile, another company, Sceye, is also exploring HAPS technology. Based in the US, Sceye uses a balloon-based high-altitude tower filled with Hydrogen gas for its operations.
With flight certification expected in 2026, Aalto's Zephyr concept is set to revolutionize internet connectivity and Earth observation. Backed by prominent investors and with successful test flights under its belt, the future of HAPS technology looks promising. However, it's unclear if Fritz Frömming, the managing director of Aalto, will be involved in the initial flights of the Zephyr concept.
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