Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Pioneer Stratospheric Laser Telemetry Demonstration

In an exciting collaboration, Sceye, a U.S.-based company specializing in aerospace technology, joined forces with SoftBank Corp. to unveil the world's first demonstration of laser telemetry tracking from the ground using a High Altitude Platform System (HAPS). This pioneering event took place on September 23, 2026, in Moriarty, New Mexico.

The demonstration comprised a part of the extensive operational flight of Sceye's ST1 HAPS, which spanned approximately 30 days and covered close to 30,000 kilometers between New Mexico and Japan. By utilizing a laser telemetry system, the team from SoftBank was able to track the stratospheric platform in real time, receiving continuous signals reflected by the laser. This innovation opens the door for future development of Free-Space Optical (FSO) communications between terrestrial surfaces, the stratosphere, and outer space.

Key Components of the Demonstration

The laser telemetry system was engineered for efficient tracking of the HAPS. SoftBank Corp. collaborated with Hitotsubashi University and the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) to accomplish this task. NIPR designed a corner cube reflector to be installed on the HAPS, while SoftBank added a specialized reflector set to the implementation. Sceye managed the installation and transport of the corner reflector during the HAPS's flight over Japan.

Equipped with a compact and portable laser telemetry system developed under the Omni-SLR program designed by Hitotsubashi University, the crew was able to aim laser pulses at the HAPS as it soared high above in the stratosphere. The real-time tracking successfully demonstrated the capability of continuous signal reception from the laser, underscoring the potential for embedded optical communication systems.

"This demonstration illustrates the possibilities that arise from establishing a reliable infrastructure layer in the stratosphere," remarked Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO and founder of Sceye. "Our first service test flight enabled direct connectivity to devices, edge computing, drone communications, and now, a world-first demonstration of laser telemetry. The ability to connect terrestrial surfaces, the stratosphere, and space through optical links could significantly alter how information is securely transmitted globally, and Sceye is proud to facilitate this future."

The Importance of Laser Tracking

The success in tracking a moving HAPS using a highly directional laser beam marks a significant milestone for future optical wireless communications. The data gathered—particularly the attenuation of light as it traverses the atmosphere between ground level and the stratosphere—will inform operational requirements for the optical communication technologies to be deployed on Sceye’s HAPS.

Wireless optical communications are emerging as a next-generation technology for non-terrestrial networks that require high-speed and high-capacity connectivity. These systems connect satellites, HAPS, and terrestrial infrastructures. Potential applications include rapid data transmission for Earth observation, connectivity in underserved areas, restoration of communications post-disaster, and low-latency intercontinental network links.

Collaborative Efforts for Future Innovations

"Tracking a HAPS platform from the ground with a highly directional laser is akin to attempting to keep a laser pointer focused on a moving coin ten miles away, through an atmosphere that continually deflects the beam," explained Johnny Truong, CTO of Sceye. Overcoming this challenge reinforces the precision required to establish future optical links between ground surfaces, the stratosphere, and outer space.

During its mission over Japan, Sceye and SoftBank successfully validated direct connectivity with standard devices through SoftBank's central network. This included SMS services, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming, in addition to emergency communications and HAPS-based communications with drones.

About Sceye

Founded in 2014, Sceye (pronounced 'sky') is committed to enhancing stratospheric infrastructure to connect people and safeguard the planet. Leading in High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), Sceye is focused on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention. As this pioneering demonstration shows, Sceye is shaping the future of telecommunications on a global scale.