Sceye and SoftBank Demonstrate Laser Ranging to HAPS in Stratosphere

MORIARTY, N.M., Sept. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Sceye, an aerospace company based in the U.S., has achieved a significant milestone by collaborating with SoftBank Corp. in a world-first demonstration of laser ranging from the ground to a High Altitude Platform System (HAPS). This groundbreaking test was conducted as part of Sceye’s historic ST1 flight, which launched from New Mexico on August 9 and traveled nearly 30,000 kilometers on a round-trip journey to Japan and back over a period of 30 days.

The demonstration, which aimed to examine the feasibility of optical wireless communication equipment on Sceye’s HAPS, was carried out in collaboration with Hitotsubashi University and the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR). SoftBank Corp., a leading Japanese telecommunications company, played a key role in the project by developing a compact, portable laser ranging system capable of tracking the HAPS in real time.

Sceye’s HAPS platform was equipped with a corner cube reflector (CCR) designed by NIPR. This reflector was installed on the stratospheric platform to facilitate the laser ranging test. The ground-based equipment, developed by the team, included a compact, portable laser ranging system based on "Omni-SLR," a compact satellite laser ranging system designed by Hitotsubashi University. This system was used to direct laser pulses toward the HAPS as it operated in the stratosphere, allowing for real-time tracking and continuous reception of reflected signals.

The success of the laser ranging test is a critical step toward establishing reliable optical wireless communication links between ground, stratosphere, and space.

The data collected during the laser ranging test will be crucial for defining the operational requirements for optical communications technology to be installed and operated on Sceye’s HAPS. Optical wireless communications are emerging as a next-generation technology for high-speed, high-capacity non-terrestrial networks connecting satellites, HAPS, and terrestrial infrastructure. Applications include the rapid transmission of Earth observation data, connectivity in underserved areas, restoration of communications following disasters, and low-latency intercontinental network links.

The ST1 flight, which lasted 30 days and included operating over Japan for over seven days, also demonstrated direct-to-device connectivity to unmodified devices through SoftBank’s core network, including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming. Testing also included emergency communications, HAPS-based communications with drones, and edge computing performed directly aboard the platform.

Founded in 2014, Sceye is dedicated to advancing stratospheric infrastructure to connect people and protect the planet. The company leads the High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) industry, focusing on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention.