The Loon Project

General Discussion
#1

I have recently been seeing HBAL balloons on the flight maps. Learning how they utilize lasers for communicating between balloons. What ensures these laser beams work efficiently? This balloon is at 61k altitude, yes but can anyone here please help me to understand why these are considered safe? What happens if one of the balloons goes rogue?

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The Loon Project, developed by Alphabet’s subsidiary, Loon LLC, is designed to provide internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas using a network of high-altitude balloons. These balloons are equipped with various technologies, including lasers, to create a communication network in the stratosphere.

Here’s how the lasers in the Loon Project work:

  1. Balloon-to-Balloon Communication: The balloons in the Loon network communicate with each other using lasers. Each balloon is equipped with a laser communication system that allows it to send and receive data via laser beams. This communication is crucial for creating a relay system, where data can be transferred between balloons to cover a larger area. For example, if one balloon is within the range of a ground station and another balloon is out of range but within sight of the first balloon, data can be relayed between them using lasers.
  2. Ground-to-Balloon Communication: Ground stations on the Earth’s surface send data to the balloons in the stratosphere using focused laser beams. These lasers are pointed upwards and are precisely aimed at the balloons. The data is encoded onto the laser beams, which are then transmitted to the balloons. The balloons have special receivers that can detect and decode the laser signals, allowing them to receive information from the ground.
  3. Positioning and Navigation: Lasers are used for accurate positioning and navigation of the balloons. The balloons need to be precisely located in the stratosphere to ensure proper network coverage. Ground stations send laser beams to the balloons, and by measuring the time it takes for the laser beams to travel to the balloons and back, engineers can calculate the distance between the balloon and the ground station. This information, combined with GPS data, helps determine the balloon’s exact position and altitude.
  4. Adaptive Network Management: The Loon Project employs advanced algorithms that use data from lasers, GPS, and other sensors to dynamically adjust the positions of the balloons. Wind patterns and atmospheric conditions in the stratosphere can change, affecting the balloons’ positions. The lasers’ data helps the network management system optimize the balloon constellation to maintain optimal coverage and connectivity.
  5. Data Transmission Rates: Lasers enable high-speed data transmission between the balloons and the ground stations. The use of lasers allows for efficient and rapid data transfer, which is essential for providing internet access to users on the ground.
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#2

According to Wikipedia, the project was defunct several years ago, but I have been seeing them on the flight maps again lately.

They typically fly at 50k feet, so no factor for planes and such.

They do go rogue occasionally, oh well, I guess.

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#3

If you look up the FAA registration, it list this company.

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#4

I mean, could this be as simple s weather balloons? Been using those for decades.

#5

A weather balloon and a high-altitude balloon (HBAL) serve different purposes and are designed with distinct characteristics to fulfill their respective roles. Here’s how they differ:

Weather Balloon:

Purpose: Weather balloons are primarily used for meteorological purposes, such as collecting atmospheric data for weather forecasting and atmospheric research.
Altitude and Duration: Weather balloons are generally designed to reach high altitudes, typically up to around 100,000 feet (about 30 kilometers) or more. However, they are not intended to remain at those altitudes for extended periods; instead, they ascend rapidly, collect data during their ascent, and then eventually burst due to the decreasing atmospheric pressure. After the burst, the instrument package attached to the balloon, called a radiosonde, descends back to the ground using a parachute.
Payload: The payload carried by weather balloons usually includes meteorological instruments like temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors, as well as GPS units for tracking the balloon’s position and movement.
Materials: Weather balloons are often made from latex or other lightweight materials that can expand as the balloon ascends due to decreasing atmospheric pressure. This expansion eventually causes the balloon to burst.
Flight Path: Weather balloons typically follow a predictable flight path based on the atmospheric conditions. They are launched from specific locations and are tracked to gather data on temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind patterns at various altitudes.
High-Altitude Balloon (HBAL):

Purpose: High-altitude balloons, like those used in the Loon Project, are designed for various purposes, including providing internet connectivity, conducting scientific research, testing technologies, and more.
Altitude and Duration: HBALs are designed to reach the stratosphere at altitudes ranging from around 60,000 to 120,000 feet (18 to 37 kilometers) or more. Unlike weather balloons, they are designed to stay aloft for extended periods, sometimes weeks or months.
Payload: The payload of an HBAL can vary widely based on its mission. It may include communication equipment, solar panels for power generation, navigation systems, scientific instruments, cameras, and more.
Materials: High-altitude balloons are often made from materials like polyethylene or other synthetic fabrics that are durable and can withstand the harsh conditions of the upper atmosphere. They do not burst like weather balloons but are designed to be resilient and endure prolonged exposure to the stratosphere.
Flight Path: The flight path of an HBAL can be more complex and controlled than that of a weather balloon. Engineers can adjust the balloon’s altitude and position using onboard systems, such as ballast systems or altitude control mechanisms, to optimize coverage or achieve specific research objectives.
In summary, while both weather balloons and high-altitude balloons are designed to ascend to high altitudes, their purposes, design, materials, and behaviors differ significantly. Weather balloons are primarily used for atmospheric data collection and have a predictable flight pattern, while high-altitude balloons are engineered for various applications and can remain at high altitudes for extended durations with greater control over their flight paths.

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