Sceye completes record-breaking 30,000 km stratospheric flight

Sceye, a U.S.-based aerospace company, has completed its Service Test 1 (ST1) mission, a record-breaking 30-day trans-Pacific stratospheric flight. The unmanned free balloon traveled nearly 30,000 km, launching from New Mexico on August 9, 2026, reaching Japan 13 days later, and returning to the United States on September 4, 2026.

In partnership with SoftBank Corp., the mission successfully demonstrated several key technologies while operating in the stratosphere over Japan. These included mobile broadband connectivity to unmodified devices via SoftBank’s core network, HAPS-based edge computing, and communication with drones to support 3D communications networks.

Sceye CEO Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen stated that the mission proved the company’s technology and operational infrastructure are ready for connectivity services, positioning the stratosphere as a vital component for future non-terrestrial infrastructure and 6G development.