Mira’s Fixed-Wing HAPS: Revolutionizing 5G Connectivity in the Stratosphere

Successful 5G Connectivity Test Conducted by Mira Aerospace

Mira Aerospace, a joint venture between Bayanat and UAVOS, has announced the successful test of its "ApusDuo" solar aircraft, which delivered 5G connectivity from a high altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) autonomous aircraft in the stratosphere. The test, conducted in Rwandan airspace, lasted approximately 73 minutes and reached a maximum altitude of 16.9 km.

The demonstration included a 5G Zoom video call, made possible by the 5G communications payload installed on ApusDuo in the stratosphere. The system consisted of a service link from the communications payload and a feeder link from a 5G base station on the ground. Remarkably, a regular 5G smartphone was used in the test, as the radio waves operated on the same frequencies as existing devices.

This achievement marks Rwanda's first 5G-based Zoom call and follows a previous stratospheric flight test conducted by Mira Aerospace in June 2023, during which a dummy version of the payload was carried by ApusDuo.

Mira Aerospace, based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, combines Bayanat's geospatial AI experience with UAVOS' expertise in developing unmanned systems. The company claims this flight as the world's first delivery of 5G from a fixed-wing HAPS autonomous aircraft, although Stratospheric Platforms also claimed a world-first 5G demonstration from the stratosphere in 2022.

Highflying telecommunications have been gaining attention in recent years. In July of this year, BAE Warton unveiled a solar-powered drone known as PHASA-35, which reached an altitude of 66,000 feet during its 24-hour maiden flight in New Mexico. With a wingspan of 115 feet and a weight of 150kg, PHASA-35 is powered by batteries at night, allowing it to remain airborne for several months. Its applications include environmental surveillance, disaster relief, border protection, maritime and military surveillance, and mobile Internet communications.

In November 2021, Airbus and NTT Docomo showcased the UK-built solar-powered Zephyr HAPS, which demonstrated the ability to deliver wireless broadband connectivity directly to smartphones. The Zephyr was developed by Qinetiq in the UK.

These advancements in high-altitude telecommunications are paving the way for innovative solutions in various industries, from communication networks to surveillance and disaster response.