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What powers HAPS?

HAPS, like those funded by ARIA, primarily use solar panels to generate electricity during the day. This power keeps them flying and running their internet equipment. At night, they switch to stored energy from batteries, charged up by the sun earlier. This allows them to stay aloft for extended periods, providing continuous connectivity.

Stories that explain this

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

Questions this opens up

How do solar panels work? What are HAPS batteries like? Why fly so high?

Related explainers

What is ARIA? Why high-altitude internet? How much is £70 million? What are pseudo-satellites? Who were the Axis powers? What is 'base load' power? Why boost solar power? What causes power cuts?

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