| Looks like Google's Project Loon and Facebook's internet.org endeavor have some serious competition coming. Moreover, looking at statistics and features, the new contender seems to be a more viable option, a better alternative to what Google and Facebook can only dream of, at least for now! The Thales Alenia Space has proposed a new innovative project that could offer internet, surveillance, security, telecommunications, broadcasting and navigation capabilities like never before even at places that you might not have heard of! |
Google's balloons and Facebooks's drones have certain limitations. They have a short life span to begin with and the fact that they will keep on moving means restricted autonomy. Further, payload carrying capacity of drones and balloons is also very limited. Enter StratoBus, and all these limitations vanish in thin air. The project essentially involves putting up an airship midway between the flying heights of drones and the satellites to do the job. Having a life span of approximately 5 years, these airships will offer better endurance and will be stationary too. Payloads of about 200 kg can be carried by them.
The ships will be positioned at an altitude of about 20 km, in the stratosphere and will be able to capture solar power in all directions at all times. Solar energy will charge an ultra-light fuel cell for energy storage and to power all the equipment on board. The developers are expected to roll out the first prototype in the next 5 years.
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