#Japan #Tokyo #SoftBank #Sceye #HAPS

Sceye and SoftBank's Groundbreaking Stratospheric Connectivity Demonstration

In a significant achievement for the fields of telecommunications and environmental monitoring, Sceye—a leading American aerospace and materials science company—has successfully completed a stratospheric connectivity demonstration in Japan in collaboration with SoftBank Corp. This event marks a pivotal move towards the commercialization of High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS). The test mission, known as Service Test 1 (ST1), showcased the potential of HAPS technology in establishing reliable and expansive connectivity from the stratosphere.

The Journey of ST1

Taking off on August 9, 2026, from New Mexico, the ST1 mission undertook an impressive journey of over 15,000 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean, landing in Japanese airspace after 13 days. Throughout this time, Sceye's groundbreaking technology provided mobile broadband connectivity to standard devices through SoftBank's core network, demonstrating both edge computing possibilities and drone communication capabilities.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Sceye's founder and CEO, emphasized the milestone nature of this flight, stating, "The successful transit from the USA to Japan validates the performance required for the stratosphere to be a viable layer of infrastructure that can integrate advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, edge computing, and 6G networks."

Unique Characteristics of Stratospheric Operations

Operating in the stratosphere allows HAPS to optimize connectivity; it is close enough to Earth for high-capacity connections while elevated sufficiently to cover vast areas. Notably, the conditions in the stratosphere mirror those in space, substantially reducing the costs typically associated with satellite operations. Sceye's HAPS systems maintain their operational altitude while supporting both day and night cycles, functioning similarly to geostationary satellites, but at a fraction of the cost.

In 2025, SoftBank Corp. made a strategic investment in Sceye's HAPS technology for scalable solutions that complement terrestrial transmitters and satellite constellations. Through this partnership, both companies aim to harness the potential of HAPS technology as a transformative infrastructure capable of expanding connectivity and ensuring communication during emergencies.

Mobile Connectivity from the Stratosphere

During the ST1 mission, Sceye introduced the SceyeCELL, dubbed the first "mobile transmitter in the sky," designed to deliver extensive broadband connections directly to standard devices from the stratosphere. A fully operational Sceye HAPS system is projected to cover an area equivalent to approximately 500 terrestrial transmitters, signifying a monumental step in enhancing communication.

The tests combined various communication services including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and live video streaming. Additionally, the team evaluated capabilities for emergency calls and provided solutions for large-scale disaster alerts, a critical function in enhancing public safety.

Landmark Achievement for Sceye and SoftBank

As the mission transitioned back towards the United States, SoftBank's CEO Junichi Miyakawa remarked on the comprehensive vision for a next-generation communications infrastructure. By seamlessly integrating flight and operational HAPS technologies, alongside SoftBank's advanced communications capabilities, they are poised to develop a 3D communication network. Miyakawa underscored the importance of this accomplishment as a significant step towards HAPS commercialization.

The ST1 mission follows Sceye's previous Endurance program, which tested the performance of the HAPS SE2, showcasing long-duration flights in the stratosphere for infrastructure preparation. The integration of various technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced communications, firmly positions Sceye and SoftBank at the forefront of revolutionary developments in connectivity.

About Sceye

Founded in 2014, Sceye is committed to advancing stratospheric technologies aimed at connecting people and protecting our planet. As a pioneer in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), Sceye focuses on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, and disaster prevention, making strides in securing a safer and more connected future for all.