Spanish satellite operator Hispasat is joining forces with Thales Alenia Space to conduct tests of HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo Satellite) balloon technology for 4G/5G telecom applications. In a statement the partners said Spanish firm Zero 2 Infinity will provide the balloon for a demonstration to be held next month in southern Spain to directly connect the payload in the stratosphere with a smartphone on the ground.
The balloon is designed to take the place of the platform currently being developed by Thales Alenia Space as a complement to geostationary satellites. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo-Finmeccanica (33%), is building a stratospheric platform called Stratobus, described as “halfway between a drone and a satellite”. The low-cost product will offer autonomous and permanent regional coverage from a height of 20 kilometers, an optimal position for 4G and 5G telecommunication applications, said the partners.