Aalto Haps completed the first stratospheric flight and testing from a dedicated HAPS facility (Aaltoport) in Laikipia County, Kenya, and successfully tested the payload of the connection built in the UK. It's not the longest African flight ever, but the best flight on the entire continent.
Above: Zephyr from the Kenya Hangar.
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With over 13 days of flights over 60,000 feet in Kenya, Zephyr was equipped with a payload developed at Aalto's Farnborough headquarters, which could provide direct-poo device (D2D) 4/5G connectivity. Compatible with smartphone technology to enable video and data services, Aalto has conducted tests to characterize the performance of connected systems. During the flight, Aalto examined the improvements in the Zephyr flight envelope to provide greater stability and performance.
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AALTO- Airbus subsidiary designs, manufactures and operates the Zephyr High Alititude Platform Station (HAPS) – to promote 18 months of regulatory engagement and technical research to establish Aaltoport for stratospheric operations in 2024 Establish an Aaltoport for stratospheric operations.
With support from the Kenya Space Agency and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya has integrated its position as a pioneer in HAPS innovation, enabling Aalto's global expansion.
Hughes Boulnois, CEO of Aalto, commented: Aalto, which manages the most established platforms globally, demonstrates the capabilities of Zephyr in terms of payload and platform.
“As a platform for payload agnosticism alongside game-changing applications with unparalleled performance and flexibility, Aalto's Zephyr is a natural complementary asset to traditional space and defence ecosystems.
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“For many years, we have worked with our strategic partners to promote technological innovation and opportunities across the connectivity and Earth Observation Market. Thanks to the strategic vision of Kenya's regulators, we are stratosphere. We are one step closer to commercializing this product.”
Brigadier General Hillary B. Kipkosgie, acting director/CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, added: Innovative, safe and impactful technology.
“HAPS is a unique ability with potential use cases that Kenya recognizes as important to many stakeholders. Through support for Aalto, we are committed to providing a range of space technologies nearby. We are pleased to demonstrate Kenya's global leadership in creating a new hub.”
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