A new class of airborne technology is poised to revolutionize emergency communications and internet access in remote areas. Sceye, a U.S.-based aerospace company specializing in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), has announced a significant partnership with global telecommunications leader SoftBank Corp. to advance stratospheric connectivity solutions.

Operating from the stratosphere, roughly 60,000 to 65,000 feet above Earth, Sceye’s HAPS are designed to deliver consistent, high-quality internet service and environmental monitoring where conventional infrastructure fails—such as during natural disasters, or in isolated regions like mountains and remote islands.

The recent investment by SoftBank includes funding for a pre-commercial HAPS flight in Japan, scheduled for 2026. The mission will serve as a critical step toward deploying HAPS as a reliable communications platform during emergencies.

Sceye’s platform is powered by a combination of solar arrays and high-density lithium-sulfur batteries, capable of storing energy for continuous, night-time operation. Designed with durability in mind, the airship-like structure is 1500 times more gas-tight, UV-resistant, and ozone-resistant than traditional materials. It is engineered to stay aloft for months to a full year, supported by helium buoyancy and robust onboard systems that monitor performance and maintain stability, even in challenging wind conditions.

One of the most promising features is the platform’s ability to hover precisely over a designated area, making it ideal for disaster response or proactive wildfire monitoring. With the structural strength to carry large payloads, the platform can support advanced communication, observation, and surveillance equipment.

SoftBank’s investment underscores the growing interest in HAPS as a scalable, non-terrestrial communication solution. As global networks transition toward 6G, there is increased demand for infrastructure capable of supporting emerging technologies, including drones, autonomous vehicles, and internet-of-things (IoT) devices in areas with limited coverage.

This partnership aligns with SoftBank’s long-term strategy to integrate stratospheric, satellite, and terrestrial networksinto a cohesive ecosystem. By filling the gap between traditional ground networks and orbiting satellites, HAPS offer unique advantages in both coverage reach and latency.

With over 20 successful test flights already completed, Sceye’s platform is nearing readiness for real-world deployment. The company’s vision of scalable, sustainable, and persistent aerial infrastructure could soon play a key role in disaster resilience, environmental monitoring, and next-generation internet connectivity.

By Impact Lab