Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Zephyr completes stratospheric flight testing from Kenya base

Aerospace Defence Space

Zephyr completes stratospheric flight testing from Kenya base

AALTO HAPS has completed its first stratospheric flight and testing from its purpose-built HAPS facility (AALTOPORT) in Laikipia County, Kenya, successfully testing its UK-built connectivity payload - a key use case of the payload-agnostic Zephyr platform - whilst simultaneously completing the longest ever unrefuelled flight over Africa and the highest flight over the entire continent.

Above: Zephyr in its Kenya hangar.
Courtesy AALTO HAPS

Flying for more than 13 days above 60,000ft in Kenya, Zephyr was equipped with a payload developed at AALTO’s Farnborough headquarters that can provide direct-to-device (D2D) 4/5G connectivity. Compatible with smartphone technology to enable video and data services, AALTO conducted tests to characterise the performance of the connectivity system. During the flight, AALTO also validated improvements to Zephyr’s flight envelope to provide greater stability and performance.

Advertisement
ODU RT

AALTO - an Airbus subsidiary which designs, manufactures and operates the Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) - secured permissions to establish an AALTOPORT for stratospheric operations during 2024, following 18 months of regulatory engagement and technical studies to facilitate flight approvals.

With the support of the Kenya Space Agency and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya has consolidated its position as a pioneer for HAPS innovation and enabled AALTO’s global expansion.

Hughes Boulnois, CEO of AALTO, commented: “Zephyr’s return to stratospheric testing and operations is an important step in its commercial  roadmap. Stewarding the most established platform globally, AALTO is demonstrating the capabilities of Zephyr from a payload and platform perspective.

"With unrivalled performance and flexibility, alongside game-changing applications as a payload agnostic platform, AALTO’s Zephyr is a naturally complementary asset to traditional space and defence ecosystems.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“For many years we have worked with strategic partners on promoting technological innovation and opportunities across connectivity and Earth observation markets. Now thanks to the strategic vision of Kenyan regulators, we are one step closer to commercialising the stratosphere.”

Brigadier Hillary B Kipkosgey, Acting Director General / CEO of the Kenya Space Agency, added: “As the national regulator for space activities and coordinating agency for the multiagency team on stratospheric operations, the Kenya Space Agency is committed to promoting adoption and use of enabling technologies that are innovative, secure and impactful.

“HAPS is a unique capability with potential use cases that Kenya recognises as critical to many stakeholders. Through our support to AALTO, we are pleased to demonstrate Kenya’s global leadership in creating a new hub for near space technology.”

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

Aerospace

Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

12 February 2025

Following the UK Chancellor's backing of a third runway, Heathrow is launching its largest investment programme in the airport’s history to upgrade and expand through 100% private funding. 

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

Aerospace

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

12 February 2025

Aurrigo International plc has come up with new software to help airports overcome the challenge of operating autonomous vehicles in intense wet weather and snow.

Heathrow has busiest January on record

Aerospace

Heathrow has busiest January on record

12 February 2025

Last month was Heathrow’s busiest January on record, with over 6.3 million passengers travelling through the airport - up over 5% on the same time last year.

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

Aerospace

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

11 February 2025

NATS today announced the launch of its whitepaper 'Advancing Aviation through Integration of Drones in the UK’s Low-Level Airspace', highlighting how Project CAELUS demonstrates a successful path towards integrating traditional ATM with drone traffic by leveraging NATS Services’ new Concept of Operations (CONOPs).

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT
Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

Aerospace

Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

11 February 2025

Skyports Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi based AI-powered drone tech and autonomous aerial logistics specialist LODD, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed for the Abu Dhabi AAM network, across three strategic locations.

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

Aerospace

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

11 February 2025

Airport concierge specialist, VIP-Fly, is expanding its footprint in the UK with the launch of premium VIP meet and assist and concierge services at Manchester Airport.

Advertisement
Cranfield