SoftBank announced the successful completion of communications tests for HAPS, a high-altitude platform station that flies over Japan. The technology is expected to be used during disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and is believed to be nearing practical deployment.
SoftBank announced the successful completion of communications tests for HAPS, a high-altitude platform station that flies over Japan. The test is said to be the first successful test of its kind in Japan and involved an aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 20 kilometers above the ground to verify whether emergency calls, voice calls, video calls and communications with drones were possible.
The aircraft was launched in the United States and flew over the area around Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, from 23 to 24 August. The company plans to expand the coverage area and flight duration, advancing efforts toward practical deployment for providing communications during disasters.
NTT DOCOMO also plans to conduct a similar test in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture during September, raising the possibility of expanded cooperation and competition in Japan. Potential applications for HAPS include communications networks during disasters and industrial uses.
The latest test focused on demonstrating communications functionality between the ground and the aircraft, and the company is now assessing the feasibility of expanding coverage and achieving long-duration operations. The official announcement indicates that additional information will be released at a later date.