High-Altitude Platform Systems

Sceye, a U.S. aerospace company that builds high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) for internet connectivity and environmental monitoring, has received a strategic investment from SoftBank Corp., a global telecom and IT leader based in Japan. This investment is part of Sceye’s Series C funding round, and includes a planned pre-commercial HAPS flight in Japan in 2026.

HAPS are solar-powered platforms that operate in the stratosphere, offering new ways to connect remote areas and monitor environmental changes. This partnership supports SoftBank’s goal of advancing next-generation networks beyond traditional ground towers and satellites.

As "we move toward 6G networks, the need for 3D coverage—including support for drones and aerial systems—is growing." By investing in Sceye, SoftBank aims to expand its Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) strategy, combining HAPS with its existing infrastructure to deliver broader, smarter, and more sustainable connectivity solutions worldwide.

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