SOFTBANK AND ALTAEROS LAUNCH WORLD'S FIRST AUTONOMOUS AEROSTAT
PR96652
HOKKAIDO SPACEPORT, TAIKI TOWN, HOKKAIDO, Japan, June 22, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --
- Altaeros' ST-Flex is a rapidly deployable autonomous aerostat
SoftBank Corp. ("SoftBank"), Japan's leading mobile carrier, completed initial
testing of Altaeros' ST-Flex(TM) autonomous aerostat. Operational and telecom
tests were performed at Hokkaido Spaceport, Taiki Town, Hokkaido, Japan. Learn
more about ST-Flex: www.altaeros.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1845169/Altaeros_ST_Flex.jpg
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tENcZXFsfEU
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1845168/ST_Flex_launch.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/642636/Altaeros_Logo.jpg
SoftBank and Altaeros first launched the ST-Flex on May 2, 2022 and performed
evaluation tests through May. ST-Flex carried SoftBank's base station system,
which was equipped with its proprietary cylindrical antenna that realizes
communication area footprint fixation, to a height of 816 feet (249m), where it
was connected to their ground equipment via optical fiber and power conductors
embedded in the tethers. From SoftBank's announcement: "The newly developed
high-altitude tethered aerostat base station system was operable at higher
altitudes and carried heavier communication payloads, and it also achieved
wider area network coverage with greater communication stability during the
trial" Details and additional results from SoftBank's telecom testing can be
found here: https://www.softbank.jp/en/corp/news/press/sbkk/2022/20220622_01/
Aerostat Autopilot(TM), Altaeros' proprietary autonomous control system,
eliminates on-site crew for daily operations and ensures the highest level of
reliability, making ST-Flex the most cost-effective aerostat solution in its
class. During the test program, the ST-Flex excelled in highly variable weather
conditions, including gale-force wind. Altaeros' three tether autonomous
controls create stability in the aerostat and control pitch, roll, and yaw to
keep the aerostat steady even in varying weather conditions. The autonomous
features provide a level of performance and flexibility unparalleled amongst
commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Watch highlights here:
"We are incredibly excited to have completed the first international launch of
the ST-Flex," said Altaeros CEO, Ben Glass. "Successful testing of SoftBank's
Footprint Fixation Technology on the ST-Flex is a huge milestone which will
further the development and effectiveness of many aerial telecommunications
platforms to help bring critical services around the world."
About SoftBank Corp.
Guided by the SoftBank Group's corporate philosophy, "Information Revolution –
Happiness for everyone," SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) provides
telecommunications services and combines them with advanced technologies to
develop and operate new businesses in Japan and globally. In the year ended
March 2022, SoftBank Corp. registered 5.7 trillion yen of revenue, 985.7
billion of operating income, and had 319 group companies (245 subsidiaries and
74 affiliates), both in Japan and abroad. SoftBank Corp. has 57 million mobile
and broadband subscribers in Japan, and through its group companies Yahoo Japan
Corporation, PayPay Corporation and LINE Corporation, 86 million online media
users, 46 million smartphone payment users and 92 million communication app
users, respectively (as of May 11, 2022). With this strong business foundation
and compelling number of customer touchpoints, SoftBank Corp. is expanding into
non-telecom fields in line with its "Beyond Carrier" growth strategy while
further growing its telecom business. Also, by fully harnessing the power of
5G, AI, IoT, Digital Twin, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions, including
High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)-based stratospheric telecommunications,
and other key technologies, SoftBank Corp. aims to realize the "Implementation
of Digitalization into Society." In recognition of its ESG initiatives,
SoftBank Corp. was selected for inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability
Indices, FTSE4Good, 2022 Constituent MSCI Japan ESG Select Leaders Index and
other leading global ESG investments indices. To learn more, please visit
About Altaeros: Altaeros' mission is to connect people, machines, and data, no
matter where they happen to be located. We leverage cutting edge autonomy and
advanced aerospace technology to build the most effective aerial platform
available. Our SuperTowers are used to deliver high speed, low-cost broadband
to underserved communities, build IoT networks to monitor industrial sites or
crop health, provide an elevated vantage point for first responders fighting
wildfires or other natural disasters, and any number of other applications.
Altaeros is headquartered in Greater Boston, with production and test
facilities in southern New Hampshire. Altaeros is backed by SoftBank Group,
SPARX, SKK, Safar Partners and others.
Learn more at www.altaeros.com
SOURCE Altaeros Energies
CONTACT: Elise Gianattasio, elise@altaeros.com
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