Space

Exclusive: Sceye Signs Deal to Fly HAPS Fleet for SoftBank

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 03/11/2026, 14:05:26 UTC.

Briefings

Sceye signed a five-year master-services agreement with SoftBank to manufacture, launch, and operate a fleet of high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) over Japan. The deal involves at least 40 units over five years, with the majority providing mobile broadband and a subset forming a free-space optical (FSO) laser network. Sceye's platforms reach cruising altitude in under 30 minutes using lifting gas, offering a strategic alternative to satellite launch vehicle constraints. The company previously invested $15 million in Series C in 2025 after becoming the first to 'close the power loop' by maintaining altitude overnight. A September Service Test 1 mission successfully transported the fleet from New Mexico to Japan, validating the technology.

Key points

• Sceye signed a five-year master-services agreement with SoftBank to manufacture, launch, and operate a fleet of high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) over Japan.
• The agreement involves at least 40 units over five years, with the majority providing mobile broadband and a subset forming a free-space optical (FSO) laser network.

Context

Sceye aims to provide a stratospheric bridge between terrestrial communications infrastructure and satellite networks, complementing existing satellite and terrestrial systems. The deal addresses launch slot scarcity by offering a self-contained platform solution that avoids reliance on external launch vehicles.

Limitations

Current flight record is only 30 days with recovered platforms currently broken down and tested before parts are reused, with a turnaround time currently in the months. Vestergaard Frandsen wants to see this reduced to weeks, with single vehicles remaining in the sky for six months or more. The fleet size is forecasted at least 40 units over five years, but exact numbers and operational details remain partially unverified.

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