Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Showcase Stratospheric Connectivity in Japan
In a remarkable achievement for aerospace technology, Sceye, a U.S.-based company specializing in High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), has collaborated with SoftBank Corp. to successfully demonstrate stratospheric connectivity in Japan. This milestone was marked by the completion of their Service Test Mission 1 (ST1), which commenced on August 9, 2026, in New Mexico and spanned over 15,000 kilometers, culminating in Japan after 13 days in the stratosphere.
The mission showcased Sceye’s ability to deliver mobile broadband connectivity using its innovative HAPS technology. By integrating with SoftBank's core network, ST1 enabled seamless communication through devices without any modifications. It also tested edge computing capabilities and confirmed communication with drones, highlighting the potential for a 3D communications network essential for future technologies.
Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Sceye's founder and CEO, praised the flight as a significant step forward in proving that the stratosphere can serve as a viable infrastructure layer for advanced applications, including AI, edge computing, and 6G. The stratosphere's proximity to the Earth allows for high-capacity connectivity and observation while mitigating the costs associated with satellite deployment.
SoftBank Corp., a leading telecom operator globally, underlined its commitment to building next-generation communication infrastructure that links terrestrial, aerial, and space-based networks. The partnership with Sceye is viewed as a pivotal element in realizing this vision, enabling robust connectivity that can withstand natural disasters and foster innovative applications in telecommunications.
During the ST1 flight, Sceye tested a range of mobile broadband functionalities, including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming. The mission highlighted its unique capabilities by successfully implementing emergency call systems designed for large-scale disaster alerts and drone communication. The flight managed to operate within Japan's airspace for over seven days, confirming communication performance on par with terrestrial networks while minimizing radio interference.
A notable advancement from this mission was the performance of mobile network services directly on the HAPS platform, achieving an impressive average response time of just 68 milliseconds—well below the latency typically associated with cloud-based processing. This breakthrough represents a landmark global achievement, showcasing how HAPS technology could integrate mobile networks and enhance user experiences significantly.
As of now, the ST1 mission continues to operate, returning to the U.S. over the Pacific Ocean while further tests are conducted. Junichi Miyakawa, president and CEO of SoftBank Corp., expressed enthusiasm about the successful services tested during ST1, which marks an essential leap towards commercializing HAPS. This mission underscores the optimism surrounding the future of communication technologies that harness the stratosphere, developing a foundation for a three-dimensional communication network capable of supporting a broad spectrum of innovative applications.
Sceye, founded in 2014, has rapidly emerged as a leader in developing stratospheric technology aimed at enhancing connectivity and environmental monitoring. By successfully launching this groundbreaking flight, Sceye continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with HAPS, focusing on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention. The progress made with ST1 signals a promising future for aerospace communications, setting the stage for further exploration and development in the field.
The mission showcased Sceye’s ability to deliver mobile broadband connectivity using its innovative HAPS technology. By integrating with SoftBank's core network, ST1 enabled seamless communication through devices without any modifications. It also tested edge computing capabilities and confirmed communication with drones, highlighting the potential for a 3D communications network essential for future technologies.
Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Sceye's founder and CEO, praised the flight as a significant step forward in proving that the stratosphere can serve as a viable infrastructure layer for advanced applications, including AI, edge computing, and 6G. The stratosphere's proximity to the Earth allows for high-capacity connectivity and observation while mitigating the costs associated with satellite deployment.
SoftBank Corp., a leading telecom operator globally, underlined its commitment to building next-generation communication infrastructure that links terrestrial, aerial, and space-based networks. The partnership with Sceye is viewed as a pivotal element in realizing this vision, enabling robust connectivity that can withstand natural disasters and foster innovative applications in telecommunications.
During the ST1 flight, Sceye tested a range of mobile broadband functionalities, including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming. The mission highlighted its unique capabilities by successfully implementing emergency call systems designed for large-scale disaster alerts and drone communication. The flight managed to operate within Japan's airspace for over seven days, confirming communication performance on par with terrestrial networks while minimizing radio interference.
A notable advancement from this mission was the performance of mobile network services directly on the HAPS platform, achieving an impressive average response time of just 68 milliseconds—well below the latency typically associated with cloud-based processing. This breakthrough represents a landmark global achievement, showcasing how HAPS technology could integrate mobile networks and enhance user experiences significantly.
As of now, the ST1 mission continues to operate, returning to the U.S. over the Pacific Ocean while further tests are conducted. Junichi Miyakawa, president and CEO of SoftBank Corp., expressed enthusiasm about the successful services tested during ST1, which marks an essential leap towards commercializing HAPS. This mission underscores the optimism surrounding the future of communication technologies that harness the stratosphere, developing a foundation for a three-dimensional communication network capable of supporting a broad spectrum of innovative applications.
Sceye, founded in 2014, has rapidly emerged as a leader in developing stratospheric technology aimed at enhancing connectivity and environmental monitoring. By successfully launching this groundbreaking flight, Sceye continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with HAPS, focusing on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention. The progress made with ST1 signals a promising future for aerospace communications, setting the stage for further exploration and development in the field.
Topics Telecommunications）
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