Project Loon
Project Loon is a Google project at that aims to provide internet access to the two-thirds of the world's population which does not have internet access. It focuses on developing countries, rural and remote areas and areas that have suffered natural disasters. It uses high-altitude balloons that float between 10km to 60km above the Earth's surface -- generally higher than airplanes and the weather -- and utilizes software algorithms to carefully position balloons within wind patterns. Google has partnered with telecommunications to share cellular spectrums, thus transforming the floating balloons into large-scale wireless networks for use on phones and other LTE-enabled devices.[1][2]
On the 15th December 2014, it was announced that the French Space Agency CNES had formed a partnership with Google on Project Loon.[3]
Technology
Made from sheets of polyethtylene plastic and measuring fifteen meters wide and twelve meters tall when inflated, the balloons last for about 100 days and withstand sub-zero temperatures. This progress was achieved in only a year; original versions included a number of different shapes and designs and lasted only one to two days.[4]
Each balloon is powered by solar panels and a box of electronics which controls the system and has radio antennas which allows them to communicate with other balloons and antennas on the ground.[2]
Pilot Tests
Project Loon hs undertaken a number of pilot tests, which are being used to improve technology for the next stages of the project.[2]
New Zealand
Project Loon began in June 2013 with an experimental pilot in New Zealand. Thirty balloons were launched, offering fifty individuals in the Christchurch area access to internet.[5]
Brazil
Project Loon tested its technology at Linoca Gayoso, a rural school in Northeast Brazil which had never before had internet access.
References
- ↑ Google Loon, Google.com. Retrieved 16th December 2014. Updated 2016 April 20.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 How Loon Works, Google.com. Retrieved 2016 April 20.
- ↑ Google partners with French space agency for Project Loon Techtimes, retrieved 17th December 2014.
- ↑ Manufacturing For The Stratosphere, YouTube.com. Published 2015 November 24. Retrieved 2016 April 20.
- ↑ Project Loon: New Zealand Pilot Test, YouTube.com. Published 2013 June 17. Retrieved 2016 April 20.