Internet For Everyone – The Technology Behind Google’s Project Loon

Google’s Project Loon aims to provide internet access to everyone on the planet through a network of balloons travelling on the edge of space. The primary objective is to provide connectivity to rural and remote areas and help people get back online in disaster-hit sites.

These helium-filled balloons are 15 metres in diameter and run on solar power. They drift through the stratosphere connecting to ground stations on Earth via antennae and can provide internet access to an area of over 1200 square kilometres. Technicians can maneuver these balloons and Air Traffic Control can keep a track of their location via GPS.

Check it out below:

Here’s the introductory promo released a few days back:

New Zealand Test Run:

In June, 30 balloons were launched from New Zealand’s South Island as part of a test run to shape the next phase of Project Loon. Know all about it below: