Building communications networks in the stratosphere

This post details the development of Aquila, a high-altitude, long-endurance solar-powered aircraft designed to provide a 50-km communications radius for up to 90 days. It describes the aircraft's architecture, including its large, lightweight design (Boeing 737 wingspan, one-third the weight of an electric car), monocoque carbon fiber construction, and flight profile (60,000-90,000 feet) optimized for solar charging and energy conservation. It also announces advancements in free space laser communications, achieving data rates of tens of Gbps, leveraging technologies from Meta's data centers.