#Japan #Tokyo #SoftBank #Sceye #HAPS

Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Achieve Stratospheric Connectivity

In a groundbreaking achievement for aerospace technology, Sceye, an innovative American company specializing in high-altitude platform systems (HAPS), has successfully demonstrated stratospheric connectivity in Japan. This milestone, involving the Sceye Service Test Program, represents a pivotal step towards commercializing HAPS technology, which has the potential to revolutionize telecommunications and environmental monitoring.

The first mission, known as Service Test 1 (ST1), was launched on August 9, 2026, from New Mexico, covering an impressive distance of over 15,000 kilometers in just 13 days. This ambitious flight not only marks the company’s first venture into the Asian market but also showcases its capabilities in providing mobile broadband connectivity via SoftBank Corp.'s core infrastructure. The successful demonstration included internet access, text messaging, voice calls, and video streaming, all from the stratosphere.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, the founder and CEO of Sceye, remarked on the significance of this flight, stating, “This mission underscores the viability of the stratosphere as a layer of infrastructure needed to fulfill the demands of AI, edge computing, and future 6G technologies.” The partnership with SoftBank is poised to expand existing network capabilities while ensuring consistent connectivity at a larger scale.

The Technology Behind HAPS

Sceye's high-altitude platforms operate at altitudes around 16.5 kilometers, offering a distinct advantage over traditional satellites. Positioned closer to Earth, these systems can maintain connectivity in a way similar to geostationary satellites while significantly reducing operational costs. They are engineered to sustain their altitude during both day and night cycles, ensuring continuous service across vast areas.

In 2025, SoftBank Corp. made a strategic investment in Sceye's stratospheric infrastructure as a means to enhance terrestrial towers and satellite systems. Together, they envision a future where HAPS and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) work synergistically to create a transformative communications infrastructure. This is expected to extend connectivity during disasters and lay the groundwork for advancements in artificial intelligence, IoT, drone communication, and edge computing technologies.

Key Achievements of the ST1 Mission

The ST1 mission carried the SceyeCELL, dubbed the first “mobile tower in the sky,” designed specifically to deliver extensive mobile broadband from the stratosphere to standard devices. Initial deployment suggests that one Sceye HAPS system could cover an area equivalent to approximately 500 terrestrial towers. Moreover, the mission was particularly noteworthy for several reasons:

• - It traversed over 15,000 kilometers to Japan, remaining operational within a controlled airspace for more than seven days.
• - The platform displayed consistent operational capabilities within a 5-kilometer radius, vital for emergency communications.
• - Research indicated that the communication performance was comparable to that of traditional ground networks, while also reducing radio interference.

The system processed data in real-time, achieving a remarkable average latency of just 68 milliseconds for bidirectional data transmission—a 40% reduction over traditional cloud processing. This capability represents an industry-first, showcasing the onboard processing of communications exclusively within the HAPS, efficiently relaying results back to smartphones.

Future Prospects

As the ST1 mission continues to demonstrate its effectiveness, it is on its return journey to the United States over the Pacific Ocean. Junichi Miyakawa, President and CEO of SoftBank Corp., emphasized the potential of this initiative, stating, “We aim to build next-generation communication infrastructure that seamlessly connects the earth, sky, and beyond. Achieving stratospheric services in Japan is a significant step forward in realizing our vision of commercializing HAPS.”

Sceye, founded in 2014, continues to lead in stratospheric technologies aimed at connecting people and protecting our planet. With an unwavering commitment to universal connectivity, climate monitoring, and disaster prevention, the company is well-positioned to pioneer the technological advancements necessary for the future.

In summary, the collaboration between Sceye and SoftBank Corp. is laying the groundwork for a new era of communication technologies. Their innovative approach and dedication to expanding connectivity will undoubtedly impact various sectors, including emergency services, telecommunications, and environmental monitoring. As they move forward together, the sky may no longer be the limit for connectivity.

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