---
title: Atmospheric Satellite
type: technology
url: "https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/atmospheric-satellite"
hub: altitude
summary: High-altitude UAVs and balloons providing long-duration communications and Earth observation
---

# Atmospheric Satellite

High-altitude UAVs and balloons providing long-duration communications and Earth observation
- Technology Readiness Level: 5/9
- Impact: 5/5
- Investment: 4/5
Atmospheric satellites are UAVs or balloons operating at high altitude for extended periods (weeks or months) for communications relay, Earth observation, or sensing. Experimentation; Loon discontinued; others in development. Applications: more widespread communications, connectivity in remote areas.

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Source: Envisioning — Technology Research Institute (https://www.envisioning.com/research/altitude/atmospheric-satellite)