Telecom applications tested from 20 km high stratospheric platform

14 August 2002 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

In a world-first, an unmanned aircraft has successfully completed a series of commercial telecommunications tests from more than 65 000 Feet (19812 m) in the stratosphere. The solar-electric aircraft, called Pathfinder-Plus, was developed by AeroVironment, the parent company of SkyTower. Both companies are based in Monrovia, California.

In collaboration with the Japan Ministry of Telecommunications (CRL/TAO) and NASA, the SkyTower tests took place over the scenic Hawaii island of Kauai, and involved the transmission of several hours of next-generation mobile voice, data, and video services to multiple handheld user devices on the ground.

"These tests demonstrate the viability of the SkyTower stratospheric telecommunications platform as an excellent complement, and in some cases alternative, to satellite and terrestrial systems for a broad range of applications," said Stuart Hindle, vice president of strategy and business development, SkyTower. "The airborne platform, operating above the weather and commercial air traffic, is equivalent to a 12-mile-tall tower, which means significant advantages to telecom service providers and broadcasters."

For more information: SkyTower, www.skytowerglobal.com

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