Geostationary balloon satellite
Geostationary balloon satellites (GBS) are atmosphere analogues to satellites that float in the stratosphere (60,000 to 70,000 feet feet above sea level) at a fixed point over the Earth's surface. At this altitude, air density is 1/10th of what it is at sea level. This significantly decreases the impact of wind on the balloon's position; furthermore, the average wind speed at these levels are lesser than those at the surface. An ion thruster or electric propeller would allow the balloon to move into and maintain its position. The GBS would be powered with solar panels en route to its location and then receive laser power from a cell tower it hovers over.
A GBS could be used to provide broadband internet access over a large area. Laser broadband would connect the GBS to the network, which could then provide a large area of coverage because of its wider line of sight over the curvature of the earth and unimpeded Fresnel zone.[1][2][3]
See also
- Project Loon
- Internet.org
- Geostationary satellite
- Atmospheric satellite
References
- ↑ "A low cost alternative for satellites- tethered ultra-high altitude balloons". ieeexplore.ieee.org. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
- ↑ The Use of Balloons for Physics and Astronomy. books.google.com.np. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
- ↑ "NOAA's Geostationary and Polar-Orbiting Weather Satellites". noaasis.noaa.gov. Retrieved 24 March 2014.