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What are HAPS batteries like?

HAPS batteries are crucial for keeping these internet aircraft flying for extended periods, sometimes months. They need to be incredibly energy-dense yet lightweight, often using advanced lithium-ion or solid-state technologies. This allows the pseudo-satellites, like those ARIA is funding, to store enough solar energy collected during the day to power them through the night, ensuring continuous connectivity.

Stories that explain this

UK’s ARIA funds 18 projects for high-altitude internet aircraft

Questions this opens up

How long do HAPS fly? Are HAPS solar powered? What are solid-state batteries?

Related explainers

What powers HAPS? What is ARIA? Why high-altitude internet? How much is £70 million? What are pseudo-satellites? What was the 1950s like? What is airport security like? What is Albufeira like?

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