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What are pseudo-satellites?

High-altitude pseudo-satellites, or HAPS, are aircraft designed to fly very high up in the atmosphere for long periods. Unlike traditional satellites that orbit Earth, HAPS operate closer, acting like a local cell tower in the sky. This story highlights how the UK is funding projects to develop these for internet connectivity, especially for areas that struggle to get online.

Stories that explain this

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

Related explainers

What is ARIA? What are HAPS batteries like? Why high-altitude internet? How much is £70 million? What powers HAPS? Why don't satellites crash? How long do satellites last? Why rescue a satellite?

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