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Sceye and SoftBank complete stratospheric HAPS link between New Mexico and Japan, advancing commercialization

Executive summary: Sceye and SoftBank Corp. completed a stratospheric connectivity test flight exceeding 15,000 km from New Mexico to Japan, linking the platform to SoftBank's core network and confirming direct-to-device and edge-computing functions. The flight validates the technical feasibility of using HAPS for long-range telecom backhaul and direct-to-device connectivity, bringing the technology closer to commercial deployment.

Who is involved: Sceye (platform provider), SoftBank Corp. (network partner), with launch operations originating in New Mexico and test reception in Japan.

Likely next: Further flight tests to expand range and capacity, regulatory reviews by aviation authorities, and potential partnership expansion for commercial HAPS services.

Sceye and SoftBank have validated a transpacific stratospheric link, flying a high-altitude platform station (HAPS) more than 15,000 kilometers from New Mexico to Japan while maintaining a live connection to SoftBank’s core network. The demonstration proved direct-to-device connectivity and edge-computing functions from the stratosphere, a technical milestone that moves HAPS beyond localized tests into intercontinental operation. For SoftBank, the trial reinforces its strategy to diversify network infrastructure beyond traditional towers and low-earth-orbit satellites, targeting coverage gaps in mountainous terrain, maritime zones, and disaster scenarios where ground equipment is compromised. The business significance lies in the partnership model: a U.S. platform developer integrating directly with a Tier-1 Japanese carrier’s core, suggesting a pathway to revenue through wholesale backhaul and enterprise services rather than consumer subscriptions alone. However, commercial deployment still hinges on spectrum harmonization across ITU regions, airframe certification for long-duration flights, and cost-per-bit economics that must compete with falling satellite capacity prices. No launch timeline or pricing was disclosed, indicating the program remains in the validation phase. Near-term, expect expanded service tests over Japanese airspace and coordinated regulatory filings for commercial spectrum access. SoftBank’s existing HAPS alliances and Sceye’s manufacturing scale in New Mexico position them to pursue initial commercial contracts in Japan and the Pacific rim within the next 24-36 months, contingent on demonstrating reliable 90-day station-keeping and handover performance.

Timeline

2026-09-03 — Sceye und SoftBank Corp. schließen die Demonstration der stratosphärischen Konnektivität in Japan erfolgreich ab und treiben die Kommerzialisierung von HAPS voran (PR Newswire)
2026-09-03 — Sceye и SoftBank Corp. завершили в Японии демонстрационные испытания стратосферной связи, сделав очередной шаг к коммерциализации HAPS (PR Newswire)
2026-09-03 — Sceye a SoftBank Corp. dokončujú demonštráciu stratosférickej konektivity v Japonsku - pokrok smerom ku komercializácii HAPS (PR Newswire)
2026-09-03 — Sceye et SoftBank Corp. achèvent une démonstration de connectivité stratosphérique au Japon, franchissant une nouvelle étape vers la commercialisation des HAPS (PR Newswire)
2026-09-02 — Sceye y SoftBank Corp. completan una demostración de conectividad estratosférica en Japón (PR Newswire)
2026-09-02 — Sceye and SoftBank Corp. przeprowadziły w Japonii demonstrację łączności ze stratosfery, stawiając kolejne kroki w kierunku komercjalizacji HAPS (PR Newswire)
2026-09-02 — Společnosti Sceye a SoftBank Corp. dokončily v Japonsku demonstraci stratosférického připojení a posunuly se tak směrem ke komercializaci systému HAPS (PR Newswire)
2026-09-02 — Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Complete Stratospheric Connectivity Demonstration in Japan, Advancing Towards HAPS Commercialization (PR Newswire)