According to Google, two-thirds of the global population does not have access to the internet. The new Project Loon by Google aims at providing internet accessibility to remote and disaster-struck areas to get people online.
Wind Power: Moving with the Wind
Project Loon uses specially designed balloons that float 20 km above the surface of the Earth in the stratosphere to provide the internet.
Usually, winds in the stratosphere have a speed of 5 to 20 mph, and they vary in magnitude and direction.
By making use of these winds, Project Loon balloons can be made to travel in the desired direction by increasing or decreasing their altitude to align with the winds. These balloons are designed to withstand the conditions of the stratosphere.
The signal is transmitted from one balloon to another and then to the Earth. These balloons will form a global communication network to which people can connect using a specially designed internet antenna attached to their building.
Solar Power: Charging with the Sun
The inflatable parts of the balloon are made using sheets of polyethylene plastic with a dimension of 15m wide and 12m tall when inflated. They are manufactured to last long in the stratosphere.
A parachute fitted to the top of the balloon helps in controlling the descent and landing. All the electronics on-board are powered by solar panels that can produce 100 watts in full sun.
A box containing circuit boards to control the system, radio antennas to connect with other balloons and ground internet antennas, and batteries for storing solar power to operate at night.
Watch the below video that explains how Project Loon works.
Connectivity
Each balloon can provide internet connectivity at 3G speeds to an area of about 40 km in diameter. At present, it uses ISM 2.4 and 5.8 Ghz bands which are available for everyone to use.
Project Loon is currently in the testing phase. Thirty Project Loon balloons were launched from the South Island, New Zealand. These balloons are controlled by Loon mission control and will provide internet to a team of pilot testers to understand its internet experience.
What are your thoughts about Google’s new Project Loon? Share your comments below.
For more information about Project Loon, visit http://www.google.com/loon
Credits: Google
