#USA #SoftBank #Sceye #HAPS #Moriarty

Sceye's New Era in Stratospheric Communications

Sceye, an innovative aerospace firm based in the United States, has made significant strides in advancing stratospheric communication technology. In a remarkable collaboration with SoftBank Corp., they achieved a world-first demonstration of laser ranging, tracking their High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) from the ground. The successful demonstration, which took place on September 23, 2026, is a vital milestone in establishing reliable free-space optical communications (FSO) across vast distances—from ground stations to stratospheric platforms and eventually into outer space.

This pioneering event was part of Sceye's month-long ST1 flight, which showcased their advanced HAPS capabilities. Teaming up with Hitotsubashi University and the National Institute of Polar Research, the venture aimed to refine the optical wireless communication systems set to be deployed on HAPS platforms like Sceye’s.

In preparation for the demonstration, a corner cube reflector (CCR) was devised by NIPR. SoftBank was responsible for assembling this reflector into a system suitable for installation on the HAPS, which marked a significant technical achievement in the project. The test involved directing laser pulses from the ground to the CCR installed on the HAPS, showcasing an impressive real-time tracking capacity that had never been accomplished before.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, the CEO and Founder of Sceye, expressed pride in the successful demonstration: “This achievement illustrates the vast possibilities that open up when we establish a reliable layer of infrastructure in the stratosphere.” He emphasized the broader implications this technology could have for various communication applications, including direct-to-device connectivity and drone communications, among others.

The intricate process of tracking the HAPS presented several challenges. As Jonathan Truong, CTO of Sceye notes, targeting a moving platform at that altitude required precision akin to keeping a laser beam aimed at a moving target ten miles away while accounting for atmospheric interference. The successful reflection of laser signals back to ground equipment highlighted the potential for future advancements in optical communication technologies.

This demonstration was part of Sceye's ST1 flight, which began on August 9, 2026, with an extensive journey covering nearly 30,000 kilometers, including an operational phase over Japan that lasted over a week. During this phase, Sceye and SoftBank successfully demonstrated direct connectivity to various devices, allowing users to engage in activities such as text messaging, calling, and streaming—melding terrestrial and stratospheric networks.

The potential applications of this technology are vast. Emerging as a next-generation solution, optical wireless communications offer high-speed, low-latency networking possibilities that could revolutionize connectivity in remote and underserved areas, facilitate disaster management strategies, and create intercontinental networks with low latency. The data gathered during the laser ranging demonstration will be essential for determining the specifications and operational requirements necessary for high-functioning optical communications on future flights.

Founded in 2014, Sceye is at the forefront of stratospheric infrastructure advancements, championing universal connectivity while working towards environmental monitoring and disaster prevention. As they look ahead, the successful culmination of this laser ranging demonstration illustrates the significant role Sceye will play in the future of communications technology—from the ground to the stratosphere and beyond.