Stratalite

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A Stratalite is a stationary, high-altitude airship intended to replace cell phone antenna towers and satellites.

The Stratalite is an airship, not a blimp or balloon, because it has a rigid framework. Made of modern materials such as a double envelope Kevlar skin, the Stratalite is designed to cruise at 20 km (65,000 feet). Powered by solar cells that cover its upper surface, the Stratalite will have a line of sight covering 800,000 km² (300,000 square miles).

The Stratalite will have a payload capacity of 1400 kg (3100 pounds). Holding its station well above the Jet Stream at a single GPS point for up to 18 months before a replacement Stratalite will take over its position while the original descends for maintenance and retrofitting.

Developed by Sanswire Networks, LLC, a subsidiary of GlobeTel Communications Corp., a prototype was scheduled for launch on April 12, 2005.

Specifications:

  • Length: 245 ft (75 m)
  • Width: 145 ft (44 m)
  • Height: 87 ft (26.5 m)
  • Volume: 1,300,000 ft³ (37,000 m³)
  • Dual envelopes, both made of Kevlar
  • Powered by electric motors
  • Outer envelope covered in film photovoltaic (solar) units
  • Payload capacity: 3,000 lb (1,400 kg)
  • Maximum altitude: 70,000 ft (21 km)
  • Desired altitude: 65,000 ft (20 km)
  • Proprietary Lifting Gas Technology
  • Held in position by 6 onboard GPS units connected to the ship’s engines
  • Line-of-sight to an area of 300,000 mi² (800,000 km²)
  • Wireless capability (currently) to an area with a radius of 200 miles (300 km)
  • Controlled by earth stations on the ground
  • Maximum duration: 18 months (a replacement ship will be in position prior to bringing original ship down for retrofitting. The original ship will return to its position after retrofitting.
  • Each airship is 100% reclaimable

On October 28, 2005, GlobeTel Communications Corp. was featured on the Discovery Channel for their progress in stratalites. It is unknown what the future of Stratalites are as few known service providers exist and the cost of deployment is likely to be expensive. GlobeTel Communication expect a large jump in stock.