Zephyr completes 13-Day Stratospheric Flight in Kenya

AALTO HAPS Ltd., a subsidiary of Airbus, has achieved a significant milestone with its Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). The Zephyr recently completed a 13-day stratospheric flight, marking its inaugural mission from AALTO's newly established facility, AALTOPORT, in Laikipia County, Kenya.

Flight Overview

The Zephyr operated at an altitude exceeding 60,000 feet, a region above conventional air traffic and weather disturbances. This solar-powered, unmanned aerial system is designed for extended missions, with previous flights demonstrating capabilities of up to 64 continuous days in the stratosphere.

Advanced Connectivity Payload

Equipped with a payload developed at AALTO's Farnborough headquarters, the Zephyr was designed to provide direct-to-device (D2D) 4G and 5G connectivity. This system is compatible with standard smartphones, enabling video and data services without the need for ground-based infrastructure. During the flight, AALTO conducted tests to assess the performance of this connectivity system, aiming to bridge communication gaps in remote or underserved regions.

Technical Specifications

• Wingspan: The Zephyr boasts a wingspan of 25 meters (82 feet), allowing for optimal solar panel placement and aerodynamic efficiency.

• Weight: With a lightweight design, the aircraft weighs approximately 60 kilograms (130 pounds), facilitating prolonged flight durations.

• Altitude Capability: The Zephyr can reach altitudes up to 23,200 meters (76,100 feet), operating well above commercial air traffic.

• Payload Capacity: It can carry payloads up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds), suitable for various applications including communications and Earth observation.

Operational Enhancements

Throughout the mission, AALTO validated improvements to the Zephyr's flight envelope, enhancing its stability and performance. These advancements are crucial for maintaining consistent operations in the stratosphere, where environmental conditions can be challenging.

Strategic Support and Future Prospects

The establishment of AALTOPORT in Kenya was made possible through an 18-month regulatory process, with significant support from the Kenya Space Agency and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. This collaboration underscores Kenya's commitment to pioneering aerospace technologies and positions the country as a key player in the advancement of HAPS technology.

Hughes Boulnois, CEO of AALTO, emphasized the importance of this flight in the company's commercial roadmap, highlighting Zephyr's potential to complement traditional space and defense ecosystems. Brigadier Hillary B. Kipkosgey, Acting Director General of the Kenya Space Agency, reiterated the agency's dedication to supporting innovative and secure aerospace technologies, positioning Kenya as a global leader in near-space technology development.

The successful 13-day stratospheric flight of the Zephyr marks a significant advancement in high-altitude connectivity and Earth observation capabilities. As AALTO continues to refine and expand the Zephyr's applications, the potential for providing persistent, high-quality data and communication services from the stratosphere becomes increasingly attainable.