SoftBank demonstrates ground — based laser ranging to track Sceye HAPS in stratosphere

SoftBank completed a ground-based laser ranging demonstration that tracked Sceye’s stratospheric HAPS in real time. Portable tracking system built around Hitotsubashi University’s Omni-SLR design received continuous laser reflections from a reflector assembly SoftBank developed. Test gathered atmospheric attenuation data to set operating requirements for future optical wireless links between satellites, HAPS, and ground networks. Work ran during Sceye’s 30-day ST1 mission that launched Aug. 9 from New Mexico, logged nearly 30,000 km, including more than seven days over Japan. Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. SoftBank Corp. published the original content used to generate this news brief via (Ref. ID: GE54502) on September 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. (C)