SoftBank and Sceye demonstrate ground-based laser ranging of a stratospheric HAPS, advancing free-space optical communications for future airborne networks
Executive summary: SoftBank Corp.'s ground team tracked Sceye's stratospheric platform in real time and continuously received reflected laser signals, demonstrating laser ranging of a HAPS from the ground in Moriarty, New Mexico on September 24, 2026. The demonstration validates a key enabling technology for free-space optical (FSO) links between ground, stratosphere, and space, which could enhance resilience and capacity of future HAPS-based communication networks.
Who is involved: SoftBank Corp. (ground team), Sceye (stratospheric platform provider), and the HAPS technology platform.
Likely next: Further tests to integrate laser ranging with FSO communication trials and pursue regulatory clearances for laser operations and potential commercial HAPS services.
On September 24, 2026, SoftBank Corp.'s ground team tracked Sceye's stratospheric platform in real time and continuously received reflected laser signals, demonstrating laser ranging of a high-altitude platform station (HAPS) from the ground in Moriarty, New Mexico. The test advances the development of free-space optical (FSO) links that could connect ground, stratosphere, and space for resilient communications. The demonstration builds on prior joint tests with Sceye in Japan and represents a step toward potential commercial HAPS services.
What's next — scenarios
Base: FSO link trial within six months (50%)
Enables SoftBank to offer hybrid HAPS-satellite backhaul services.
- Successful FSO link trial by March 2027
- Regulatory approval for laser operations by FAA
Upside: Commercial HAPS partnership by end 2027 (30%)
Revenue stream from HAPS-based connectivity for rural broadband.
- Letter of intent with a telecom by September 2027
- Demonstration of sustained laser link >24 hours
Downside: Technical or regulatory setback delays beyond 2028 (20%)
SoftBank shifts focus to satellite constellations for remote connectivity.
- FAA issues restriction on laser tracking
- Laser link failure in two consecutive trials
What to watch
- FAA notice on laser safety for stratospheric platforms (expected Q1 2027)
- SoftBank capex announcement for HAPS programs (expected FY 2027)
- Sceye press release on FSO communication trial (expected mid 2027)
- FCC filing for experimental FSO license (expected Q2 2027)
Timeline
- — Sceye поддерживает SoftBank Corp. в первой в мире демонстрации лазерной дальнометрии, отслеживая HAPS с земли (PR Newswire)
- — Sceye Supports SoftBank Corp. in World-First Demonstration of Laser Ranging by Tracking a HAPS from the Ground (PR Newswire)
- — Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Complete Stratospheric Connectivity Demonstration in Japan, Advancing Towards HAPS Commercialization (PR Newswire)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- High-altitude platform station (HAPS) telecommunications
- Free-space optical (FSO) communications
- Stratospheric platform operations
Historical parallels
- Sceye and SoftBank Corp. completed stratospheric connectivity demonstration in Japan, advancing toward HAPS commercialization (September 2, 2026)
- Sceye supported SoftBank Corp. in a world-first laser ranging demonstration tracking a HAPS from the ground (September 23, 2026)
Key entities
Sources
- Sceye поддерживает SoftBank Corp. в первой в мире демонстрации лазерной дальнометрии, отслеживая HAPS с земли — PR Newswire
- Sceye Supports SoftBank Corp. in World-First Demonstration of Laser Ranging by Tracking a HAPS from the Ground — PR Newswire
- Sceye and SoftBank Corp. Complete Stratospheric Connectivity Demonstration in Japan, Advancing Towards HAPS Commercialization — PR Newswire
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