Zephyr Achieves 13-Day Stratospheric Flight, Begins Operations from Kenya

AALTO HAPS Ltd., an Airbus subsidiary specializing in the design, manufacture, and operation of the Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), has achieved its first successful stratospheric flight from its dedicated AALTOPORT in Laikipia County, Kenya.

The Zephyr flew for over 13 days at altitudes exceeding 60,000 feet, carrying a payload developed at AALTO’s Farnborough headquarters. This payload is designed to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) 4/5G connectivity, compatible with existing smartphone technology for video and data services. AALTO conducted rigorous tests to evaluate the connectivity system’s performance and also enhanced Zephyr’s flight capabilities for greater stability and efficiency.

AALTO secured the necessary permissions to establish the AALTOPORT for 2024 stratospheric operations, following an 18-month period of regulatory engagement and technical studies. This was made possible with the collaboration of the Kenya Space Agency and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, positioning Kenya as a forefront leader in HAPS innovation.

Hughes Boulnois, CEO of AALTO, commented: “Zephyr’s return to stratospheric testing and operations is an important step in its commercial roadmap. Stewarding the most established platform globally, AALTO is demonstrating the capabilities of Zephyr from a payload and platform perspective. With unrivalled performance and flexibility, alongside game-changing applications as a payload agnostic platform, AALTO’s Zephyr is a naturally complementary asset to traditional space and defence ecosystems.

“For many years we have worked with strategic partners on promoting technological innovation and opportunities across connectivity and Earth observation markets. Now thanks to the strategic vision of Kenyan regulators, we are one step closer to commercialising the stratosphere.”

Brigadier Hillary B Kipkosgey, Acting Director General / CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, added: “As the national regulator for space activities and coordinating agency for the multi-agency team on stratospheric operations, the Kenya Space Agency is committed to promoting adoption and use of enabling technologies that are innovative, secure and impactful.

“HAPS is a unique capability with potential use cases that Kenya recognises as critical to many stakeholders. Through our support to AALTO, we are pleased to demonstrate Kenya’s global leadership in creating a new hub for near space technology.”