Stratalite

A Stratalite is a stationary, high-altitude airship intended to replace cell phone antenna towers and satellites.

The Stratalite is an airship, not a blimp or balloon, because it has a rigid framework. Made of modern materials such as a double envelope Kevlar skin, the Stratalite is designed to cruise at 20 km (65,000 feet). Powered by solar cells that cover its upper surface, the Stratalite will have a line of sight covering 800,000 km² (300,000 square miles).

The Stratalite will have a payload capacity of 1400 kg (3100 pounds). Holding its station well above the Jet Stream at a single GPS point for up to 18 months before a replacement Stratalite will take over its position while the original descends for maintenance and retrofitting.

Developed by Sanswire Networks, LLC, a subsidiary of GlobeTel Communications Corp., a prototype was scheduled for launch on April 12, 2005.

Specifications:

• Length: 245 ft (75 m)
• Width: 145 ft (44 m)
• Height: 87 ft (26.5 m)
• Volume: 1,300,000 ft³ (37,000 m³)
• Dual envelopes, both made of Kevlar
• Powered by electric motors
• Outer envelope covered in film photovoltaic (solar) units
• Payload capacity: 3,000 lb (1,400 kg)
• Maximum altitude: 70,000 ft (21 km)
• Desired altitude: 65,000 ft (20 km)
• Proprietary Lifting Gas Technology
• Held in position by 6 onboard GPS units connected to the ship’s engines
• Line-of-sight to an area of 300,000 mi² (800,000 km²)
• Wireless capability (currently) to an area with a radius of 200 miles (300 km)
• Controlled by earth stations on the ground
• Maximum duration: 18 months (a replacement ship will be in position prior to bringing original ship down for retrofitting. The original ship will return to its position after retrofitting.
• Each airship is 100% reclaimable

On October 28, 2005, GlobeTel Communications Corp. is being featured on the Discovery Channel for their progress in stratalites. They expect a large jump in stock.