Google has been known for creating very innovative things. Apart from the regular development of their technology and software they also keep working on making things which sound impossible very much possible for us. The secret lab which made the Google’s self driving cars ( which are now helping them map the whole planet for their Google Maps and Google Earth ), Google Glass ( which is one of the most advanced piece of technology you can own as of now ) announced yet another innovative project. The Project Loon.
Project Loon is a network of balloons traveling on the edge of the space, designed to connect people in rural and remote areas to help fill the gaps which still don’t have Internet access. Not only it will help the technologically backward places but will also help places which are blown apart by natural disasters. It will help people get back online in no time and communicate with the world. Making it easy for everyone in ways more than we can imagine.
HOW LOON WORKS?
The balloon of Project Loon travels 20km above the Earth’s surface in our stratosphere. This is to make sure the balloons travel at a steady pace as winds in the stratosphere are steady and slow-moving ( 5-20mph ). The software used to run the balloons determine its location and decides where it needs to go, this way each loon is kept apart from each other and are traveling in the stratosphere by moving wind. This way it creates a large network of loons around our planet, thus creating a large, wide-spread communication network.
Each balloon provides connectivity to a ground area of about 40km in diameter at speeds which are comparable to 3G. There are special antennas which help the balloons communicate with each other and help setup the ground communications as well.
WHERE AND WHEN THIS STARTS?
The Pilot Project has already started with about 50 testers in New Zealand using 30 balloons. These testers have a special antenna that can connect balloons when they are within 20km radius.
If you are in New Zealand you can register to become a Pilot Tester. Fill up the online form if you are interested.
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