Sceye and SoftBank Test Stratospheric Connectivity in Japan

Sceye and SoftBank Corp. completed a stratospheric connectivity demonstration in Japan using Sceye's Service Test 1 mission, announced in a press release.

The mission launched from New Mexico on August 9, 2026, and traveled more than 15,000 km through the stratosphere over 13 days before reaching Japan. The test connected unmodified devices through SoftBank Corp.'s core network.

Sceye and SoftBank demonstrated mobile broadband from the stratosphere, including text messaging, voice calls, internet access, and video streaming. They also tested edge computing and communications with drones for a 3D communications network.

Sceye said the aircraft remained in flight at the time of the announcement and was returning toward the United States over the Pacific Ocean.