#USA #New Mexico #SoftBank #Sceye #HAPS

Sceye Teams Up with SoftBank for Ground-Breaking HAPS Demonstration

On September 23, 2026, Sceye, an innovative American company operating in the aerospace sector, made headlines by announcing the world’s first successful demonstration of laser tracking and measurement using High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) in collaboration with SoftBank Corp. This pioneering effort aims to enhance optical wired and wireless communication networks connecting earth with stratospheric platforms and satellites, bringing humanity one step closer to seamless global connectivity.

A Historic Demonstration in Real-Time Tracking

The demonstration took place as part of Sceye’s ST1 flight, conducted over Japan. Ground teams from SoftBank effectively tracked the stratospheric platform in real-time, receiving laser-reflected signals—the first of its kind in the world. This event showcased the immense potential for creating a reliable infrastructure in the stratosphere, capable of transforming how information circulates globally.

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Sceye’s founder and CEO, articulated the significance of this progress, noting that the successful implementation of ground-to-stratosphere communication can lead to various applications including Earth observation data transmission, emergency connectivity, and low-latency continental network links.

The Technical Marvel Behind the Tracking System

The groundbreaking technology involved the installation of a corner cube retroreflector (CCR) designed by the National Institute of Polar Research, specifically for positioning on Sceye's HAPS. This component was integral to the ground setup developed by SoftBank, which comprised a compact, portable laser distance measurement system. This system was based on the “Omni-SLR,” an innovative satellite laser measurement system created by the University of Hitotsubashi.

While the HAPS operated in the stratosphere, the team directed laser pulses toward the platform, achieving successful real-time tracking by continuously receiving reflected laser signals. This achievement necessitated exceptional precision in aiming and tracking the moving platform through atmospheric conditions.

Beyond Just Technology

“Tracking HAPS platforms with a targeted laser beam is akin to trying to maintain a laser pointer on a moving dime located 10 miles away, with the atmosphere constantly refracting the beam,” said Johnny Truong, Sceye's Director of Technology. This technological duel posed challenges that were expertly navigated, offering a glimpse into future potential with optical connectivity between Earth and space.

The data collected during this experiment, especially concerning light attenuation as it traversed the atmosphere, is crucial for determining performance specifications for optical communication technology slated for implementation in HAPS.

Implications for Future Connectivity

This ground-breaking demonstration opens avenues for next-generation optical wireless communication technologies, critical for establishing high-bandwidth networks that connect satellites to HAPS and ground infrastructure. Applications range from facilitating rapid data transmission from Earth observation systems to restoring connectivity in disaster-stricken areas.

With the mission spanning 30 days and covering nearly 30,000 kilometers, the team highlighted Sceye and SoftBank's ability to provide connectivity directly through SoftBank's core network. This included enabling various communication modalities such as text messaging, voice calls, Internet access, and video streaming from standard devices without needing modifications.

Conclusion

Founded in 2014, Sceye is paving the way for stratospheric systems aimed at enhancing global connectivity while protecting the planet. Through innovations like HAPS, they are poised to lead advancements in the field, offering a robust defense against disaster communications and promoting climate monitoring. As demonstrated, their collaboration with SoftBank heralds a new era of optical communication possibilities, firmly situating both companies at the forefront of technological evolution.