Story perspectives

FAA Eyes HAPS Integration as Zephyr Prepares for 2026 Test

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Google X's Loon project, launched in 2011 to provide internet via balloons, was discontinued in 2021.
Despite Loon's closure, firms pursue high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), including steerable airships and UAVs.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering how to integrate HAPS into airspace.
Aalto HAPS built Zephyr, a solar-powered UAV that flew 67 days.
In early 2026, Zephyr will test connectivity delivery to remote islands in southern Japan.

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Story summary

Google X's Loon project, launched in 2011 to provide internet via balloons, was discontinued in 2021.
Despite Loon's closure, firms pursue high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), including steerable airships and UAVs.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering how to integrate HAPS into airspace.
Aalto HAPS built Zephyr, a solar-powered UAV that flew 67 days.
In early 2026, Zephyr will test connectivity delivery to remote islands in southern Japan.