Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Achieve a World First in Laser Telemetry via Ground Tracking of HAPS

Innovations in Laser Telemetry: Sceye's Groundbreaking Achievement with SoftBank

In a significant leap towards enhancing communication technologies, Sceye, a pioneering American aerospace company, has successfully demonstrated the world's first laser telemetry through the ground tracking of a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). Conducted in collaboration with SoftBank Corp. and in support of a historic month-long flight, this initiative showcases the potential of harnessing laser technology for future free space optical communications that connect ground facilities, the stratosphere, and outer space.

The demonstration was part of Sceye's ST1 mission, a groundbreaking flight mission that took off from New Mexico and spanned almost 30,000 kilometers, including operations above Japan for over a week. Through this mission, Sceye, with the help of the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR) and Hitotsubashi University, managed to install advanced communication equipment on its HAPS to collect crucial data. This data is intended to facilitate the wireless installation of optical communication technologies in future applications.

The NIPR provided a cube corner reflector (CCR) integrated by SoftBank to be mounted on the HAPS. Meanwhile, the ground team developed a compact and portable laser telemetry system named “Omni-SLR,” capable of tracking the HAPS. This intricate system successfully directed laser pulses towards the stratospheric platform, enabling real-time tracking and continuous reception of reflected laser signals.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO of Sceye, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “This demonstration showcases what can be accomplished when a reliable infrastructure is established in the stratosphere. Our test flight validated direct connectivity to devices, edge computing, emergency communications, and laser telemetry, all notable advances.” With laser links promising to revolutionize data transfer speeds and connectivity options globally, Sceye is excited to contribute to this transformative era.

The ability to detect and follow a moving HAPS using a highly directional laser beam is a remarkable breakthrough for future wireless optical communications. The data collected, particularly regarding light attenuation as it travels from the ground to the stratosphere, will define the operational requirements for communication technologies that will be installed and utilized on Sceye's HAPS.

Wireless optical communications are emerging as next-generation technologies that facilitate high-capacity, high-speed connections linking satellites, HAPS, and terrestrial infrastructures. These applications include fast data transmission for Earth observation, connectivity in underserved areas, communication recovery after disasters, and low-latency intercontinental network connections.

Johnny Truong, CTO of Sceye, explained the complexity of the task: “Tracking a HAPS from the ground with a directional laser beam is akin to trying to keep a laser pointer centered on a moving coin ten miles away, navigating through an atmosphere that constantly deflects the beam.” The system needed to accurately locate the platform, direct each laser pulse with precision, and continuously capture reflected signals, all while the HAPS operated in the stratosphere. Such success demonstrates the precision required to establish future optical links between Earth, the stratosphere, and outer space.

Overall, this operation signifies a major advancement towards robust optical connectivity. Sceye's ST1 mission not only demonstrated the capabilities of their HAPS but also aimed to explore direct connectivity options, including SMS, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming, supported by SoftBank's central network.

As Sceye continues to innovate, it remains committed to developing stratospheric infrastructures aimed at promoting global connectivity and environmental protection. Founded in 2014, Sceye (pronounced ‘sky’) leads the development of HAPS technologies, dedicated to climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention initiatives that connect people and safeguard the planet.