#USA #SoftBank Corp #Sceye #Moriarty #High Altitude Platform

Sceye and SoftBank's Landmark Achievement in Laser Ranging

In an unprecedented demonstration, Sceye, a leading aerospace and materials science company from the United States, partnered with SoftBank Corp to showcase the world’s first instance of laser ranging by tracking a High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) from the ground. This groundbreaking event occurred during Sceye’s historic month-long ST1 flight, providing crucial insights into future optical wireless communication systems operating between the atmosphere and space.

The Trial's Significance

On September 24, 2026, in Moriarty, New Mexico, the SoftBank ground team successfully tracked Sceye's stratospheric platform in real-time. This achievement not only highlights Sceye's pioneering efforts in High Altitude Platform Systems but also represents a fundamental milestone in advancing future connectivity across various communication landscapes. The partnership with notable institutions, including Hitotsubashi University and the National Institute of Polar Research, underscored the collaborative spirit driving innovation in the aerospace sector.

The mission aimed to explore the installation of optical wireless communication devices on Sceye's HAPS and collect data that would inform the future of satellite communication, HAPS, and ground transmission.

Cutting-Edge Technology at Work

To facilitate this demonstration, NIPR developed a Cube Corner Reflector (CCR) for integration onto the HAPS, while SoftBank contributed a reflector assembly featuring an integrated CCR. Sceye’s team then installed the CCR during the first-ever HAPS flight over Japan. Concurrently, a portable laser ranging system was developed at the ground level, based on the Omni-SLR system designed by Hitotsubashi University, enabling precise tracking of the airborne platform.

Utilizing the CCR mounted on the HAPS along with the ground-based portable laser ranging system, the team successfully transmitted laser pulses to the stratospheric platform. The system continuously monitored the HAPS, receiving reflected laser signals efficiently as it maneuvered across the stratosphere, affirming the technology's precision and its potential in future optical wireless communications.

The Future of High Altitude Connectivity

Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, founder and CEO of Sceye, commented on the importance of building a reliable infrastructure layer in the stratosphere: "Our initial service test flight enabled direct connections to end devices, edge computing, drone communication, and now the world’s first laser ranging demonstration. Connecting the ground, stratosphere, and space through optical links could fundamentally change how information is transmitted securely on a global scale."

The ability to track a moving HAPS with a highly directed laser beam is a significant advancement towards realizing future optical wireless communication systems. The data collected, including light attenuation while traversing through the atmosphere, will be pivotal in defining operational requirements for the optical communication technologies set to be deployed on Sceye’s HAPS.

As optical wireless communication evolves into a next-generation technology for high-capacity non-terrestrial networks, it promises swift data transfer capabilities in various applications, such as remote sensing, connecting underserved regions, disaster recovery communication, and intercontinental links with reduced latency.

Johnny Truong, Sceye's Technical Director, likened the challenge of tracking a HAPS with a directed laser to "attempting to hold a laser pointer centered on a moving coin ten miles away, all while navigating an atmosphere that constantly deflects the beam." This complexity showcases the precision necessary for establishing future optical connections across ground, stratosphere, and space.

Mission Overview

The demonstration was conducted during Sceye's recent ST1 flight, which commenced on August 9, covering nearly 30,000 km in a round trip across the stratosphere to Japan, lasting 30 days, including seven days above Japan. During this flight, Sceye and SoftBank exhibited direct connections to unchanged end devices over SoftBank’s core network, including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming. Additional tests included emergency communication, HAPS-supported drone communication, and edge computing capabilities directly onboard the platform.

In summary, Sceye, established in 2014, is at the forefront of designing stratospheric infrastructure for enhanced connectivity and climate monitoring. The revolutionary milestones achieved through collaboration not only highlight Sceye’s commitment to innovation but also set the stage for a connected future across diverse environments.