Sceye validates solar-powered stratospheric flight

Sceye, a key player in high-altitude platform systems, achieves stratospheric daytime flight using solar energy, opening up unprecedented prospects for aerial infrastructure and environmental monitoring.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Sceye, a pioneer in high-altitude platforms (HAPs), has reached a milestone with the completion of a stratospheric daytime flight powered exclusively by solar energy.
This technical breakthrough demonstrates Sceye’s ability to maintain a platform in the stratosphere over a long period, offering new solutions for continuous environmental monitoring and connectivity in underserved areas.
This operation is part of an intensive testing program in 2024, aimed at validating the technical capabilities of PHAs for large-scale commercial applications.
The aim is to create an intermediate layer of aerial infrastructure between drones and satellites, enabling real-time monitoring of natural phenomena and an extension of communications networks.

Technical capabilities and industrial challenges

The recent flight enabled Sceye to successfully test a series of advanced instruments on board the platform, such as stereo-optical cameras for precise terrain modelling and synthetic aperture radars capable of penetrating clouds for continuous observation.
These technologies are crucial for anticipating and managing natural disasters such as fires or floods, as well as for detecting methane leaks, a major source of global warming.
PHA’s ability to remain stationary over a given area is a major asset for industrial applications, particularly in the environmental monitoring and natural resource management sectors.
The on-board instruments offer unprecedented resolution and accuracy, making Sceye’s platform particularly well-suited to the needs of governments and businesses for environmental risk management.

Outlook for the aerospace industry

Sceye’s exploitation of the stratosphere paves the way for a redefinition of aerial infrastructure, particularly for critical applications such as climate monitoring and the provision of communications services in remote regions.
The success of this flight proves the viability of high-altitude platforms for extended operations, with significant potential for a variety of commercial applications.
The next trials, scheduled for later this year, will aim to refine the performance of Sceye’s HAPs, with a view to full-scale commercialization.
This initiative could transform the way environmental data is collected and used, with direct implications for managing natural resources and combating the effects of climate change.
The innovation introduced by Sceye into the aerospace industry shows considerable potential to become a key player in continuous monitoring and global connectivity, addressing today’s technological and environmental challenges with sustainable and efficient solutions.

The European Investment Bank unlocks an unprecedented $250mn loan to support the construction of Costa Rica’s first electric rail system, in partnership with two regional financial institutions.
Ferrari unveiled the chassis of its first electric vehicle, the Elettrica, while announcing a revision of its electrification targets, favouring thermal and hybrid powertrains for the coming decade.
The main European automotive lobby is calling for looser 2030 and 2035 emission targets, promoting hybrids and carbon-neutral fuels.
Dubai's electricity authority strengthens its electric vehicle charging network through three major contracts with ENOC, Dubai Taxi and Parkin under its EV Green Charger programme.
TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires create a joint venture to accelerate the rollout of public electric charging infrastructure in French municipalities, with a focus on urban and suburban areas.
Tesla has announced an event scheduled for October 7, hinting at the arrival of a more affordable vehicle amid a limited product refresh and growing competition in the electric vehicle segment.
Dacia presents an ultra-compact electric prototype priced under €15,000, betting on extreme simplification to compete with low-cost Chinese electric vehicles.
Berlin questions the ban on sales of combustion cars from 2035, as German automakers warn of economic and industrial risks for the country.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa calls for adjustments to the 2035 deadline to safeguard industrial activity and accelerate decarbonisation through flexibility mechanisms.
Faced with falling margins and overcapacity, Beijing is restructuring its electric vehicle industry by focusing on quality, standards, and technological upgrading.
An American-built electric aircraft completed a test flight between Stavanger and Bergen, marking a key step in integrating zero-emission air cargo operations into Norwegian airspace.
The visit marks a new step in the cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Tellus Power, aiming to establish an EV charging station production unit in the Gulf.
Toyota launches production of its first electric vehicle in Europe at its Kolin plant in the Czech Republic, supported by a €680mn investment, including €64mn in public funding.
The Canadian government invests CAD22.7mn ($16.7mn) in eight projects to strengthen the electric vehicle charging network in British Columbia.
Ireland presents an SAF roadmap structured around four pillars, projecting 88,000 tons in 2030 and 318,000 tons in 2035, aligned with ReFuelEU and European support, while Aer Lingus and Ryanair set usage targets.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure investments are expected to hit $300 billion by 2040, driven by a 12.3% annual increase in global charging port deployments.
The Japanese group TDK’s venture capital fund supports Ultraviolette, an Indian electric motorcycle manufacturer, to help it scale up in a domestic market estimated at over $50 billion within ten years.
U Power announces the signing of a letter of intent to supply 300 battery-swapping compatible electric vehicles in partnership with a Hong Kong-based technology manufacturer, marking a major milestone for intelligent commercial mobility.
According to Ember, only 3% of India’s wind and solar targets for 2032 would be sufficient to cover the entire electric vehicle charging demand, provided appropriate measures are taken for grid management and charging infrastructure.
TotalEnergies holds 23% of the high-power charging market on French motorways, according to data published by Gireve, with more than 1,800 active points across 265 service stations.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.