by Jean-Philippe Chessel, Director of the Stratobus product line, Thales Alenia Space
A helium-inflated stratospheric airship powered by photovoltaic cells, storing its energy in a regenerative fuel cell system, ensures a very long-term mission. The needs are multiple: terrestrial or maritime surveillance, telecommunications in difficult areas or in addition to terrestrial and satellite networks for 4g/5g, GPS reinforcement, etc. Innovative product, Stratobus is positioned in a new market not covered by drones or captive balloons and provides an indispensable quality of service: permanence. The first flight is scheduled for 2021.