Stable Connectivity for Disaster Recovery Using High-Altitude Tethered Balloons

Summary:

A high-altitude autonomous tethered balloon equipped with a mobile base station showed the system’s ability to provide robust connectivity during disaster recovery scenarios.

Client: 

SoftBank Corp

Problem Statement: 

During disaster recovery, providing stable and wide-area mobile network coverage in affected regions is a critical challenge. Conventional ground-based infrastructure is often damaged or inaccessible, and traditional airborne systems may lack the stability or capacity to provide effective coverage over large areas.

Results: 

• Enhanced Altitude and Payload Capability.
• Achieved wider area network coverage with greater stability using a cylindrical phased array antenna with digital beamforming control.
• Ensured stable ground cell coverage even as the airborne vehicle rotated.

AI Solution Overview:

SoftBank Corp collaborated with US-based Altaeros Energies to test an innovative solution involving a high-altitude autonomous tethered balloon. This system is equipped with a mobile base station designed to provide reliable and extensive network coverage, addressing connectivity challenges in a wide range of scenarios.

SoftBank’s solution leverages a multi-element phased array antenna, co-developed with its subsidiary HAPSMobile, to deliver advanced mobile connectivity. The system features a proprietary cylindrical antenna design that ensures stable network connectivity, even during airborne motion.

Through digital beamforming technology, the system incorporates footprint fixation capabilities, which maintain consistent cell coverage on the ground by dynamically adjusting radio beam direction as the aerial platform rotates.

In comparison to earlier iterations, this upgraded system demonstrated the ability to operate at greater altitudes, support heavier communication payloads, and provide broader and more stable network coverage during field trials. By employing high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), the solution effectively delivers reliable mobile connectivity from the stratosphere to ground level while maintaining a circular flight pattern.

References: 

1. SoftBank, Altaeros trial balloon-mounted base station. https://www.mobileworldlive.com/softbank/softbank-altaeros-trial-balloon-mounted-base-station/

Industry: Disaster Recovery and Tethered Aerostats

Vendor: Altaeros Energies

Client: SoftBank Corp

Publication Date: 2022