• Zephyr is the first fixed-wing HAPS to make a wireless connection above 60,000ft to a 4G mobile device on the ground, across several days without landing, in latest demonstration of stratospheric capabilities
• Successful demonstration of AALTO’s connectivity payload on behalf of customer Space Compass and NTT DOCOMO, compatible with mobile phone tech enabling video and data services
• Testing is important step on roadmap to commercialise HAPS services, with initial targeted entry-into-service in Japan during 2026

Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, Spain: AALTO HAPS Ltd. (“AALTO” or “the Company”), an Airbus subsidiary which designs, manufactures and operates the Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), has completed successful connectivity testing on behalf of its customer Space Compass Corporation (“Space Compass”) and partner NTT DOCOMO.

Zephyr was equipped with a connectivity payload that made direct communication to a 4G mobile device on the ground and a direct-to-device gateway station in Kenya. This is the first wireless connection achieved by a fixed-wing HAPS flying continuously above 60,000ft, which included a telephone call from the site in Kenya via Zephyr which was transmitted to the UK over a local internet link. In addition to this milestone, AALTO conducted different tests to characterise the performance of the connectivity system including measuring throughput and overall signal quality.

NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator, and Space Compass, a joint venture between NTT and SKY Perfect JSAT, are part of the HAPS Japan consortium that committed to a $100m investment in AALTO in 2024. HAPS Japan, AALTO and Airbus Defence and Space are establishing a roadmap for commercial HAPS services to begin in Japan from 2026.

This connectivity demonstration was facilitated by the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework in Kenya, the location of AALTO’s launch and landing site for Zephyr. The Kenya Space Agency is the primary regulator for stratospheric operations, supported by partners that include the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. Connectivity testing was facilitated by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

Hughes Boulnois, Chief Executive Officer of AALTO, commented: “AALTO remains at the forefront of HAPS innovation, with Zephyr bridging the gap between ground and space-based networks for the first time. Our partnership with Space Compass and NTT DOCOMO is based on the impact non-terrestrial networks can have to unlock game-changing services from the stratosphere, particularly across connectivity and Earth observation. We will now focus on accelerating the launch of commercial HAPS operations over the coming year.”

Shigehiro Hori, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Space Compass Corporation, said: “HAPS will play a critical role in Japan’s communications ecosystem, addressing hard-to-reach areas and supporting responses to events such as natural disasters. Space Compass and NTT DOCOMO have long pioneered the connectivity potential of non-terrestrial networks. The demonstration of connectivity with AALTO’s Zephyr marks a strong start to 2025. This year we will work together to progress commercial timelines for entry-into-service in the Japanese market.”

Contact

Theo Davies-Lewis

Chief of Staff & Communications

+44 74840 29567

theo.davies-lewis@aaltohaps.com

About AALTO

Based in Farnborough, UK, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that designs, manufactures and operates the Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS). Powered by solar energy and operating above 60,000+ feet, Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record is over 64 days in the stratosphere. As a payload agnostic platform, Zephyr can deliver several applications including targeted surveillance, disaster management, border protection, and precision agriculture. For further information, please visit www.aaltohaps.com.

About Space Compass Corporation

Space Compass is a joint venture company between NTT, Japanese Information and Communications Technology (ICT) leader, and SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Asia’s largest satellite operator. We will launch a Space Integrated Computing Network to aid the realization of a sustainable society. For more information, visit our corporate website, https://space-compass.com

This project is one of the initiatives of space business brand under NTT Group’s “NTT C89” and SKY Perfect JSAT’s “JSAT”.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over ９０ million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.

Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society.

https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/