SoftBank tracks stratospheric HAPS with ground-based laser in world-first ranging test

• SoftBank completed a world-first ground-to-HAPS laser ranging test, tracking Sceye’s stratospheric platform in real time.
• A compact, portable laser ranging system built by SoftBank continuously received reflected laser signals from a corner-cube reflector carried on the HAPS.
• Results support future free-space optical links across ground, stratosphere, and space, targeting high-capacity non-terrestrial networks.
• Data on atmospheric signal attenuation will shape operating requirements for optical communications equipment intended for deployment on HAPS.

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 PR Newswire (Ref. ID: LA54502) on September 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.