Stratobus

The Stratobus is a stratospheric airship being developed by Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales and Leonardo, as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS). It will act as a missing link between satellites and drones and will also meet the market demand for a combined satellite, aerial mission, drone and HAPS services.

High-altitude pseudo-satellites offer the persistent coverage of a satellite, but at a lower cost. Potential missions for the Stratobus include...