Project Loon (Google)

Project Loon is a pilot project developed by Google LLC. It is aimed at providing the internet by using balloons that would trace the earth. Let us have a look at interesting facts about Project Loon. Project Loon was developed with the aim of providing economic internet access across the world. It is a research and development (RnD) project that is developed by Google. It comprises a network of balloons that would float above in the stratosphere higher than the airplanes and the weather. The Balloons are carried across the globe with the wind that is used to direct the direction of the balloons. People using this technology would be able to set up a connection with the balloons using antennas attached to their buildings. 

Need For Project Loon 

The Internet is required to connect people in different parts of the world. The vitality of the internet allows for innovations in technologies. There are several parts of the world that still do not possess internet connectivity (such as rural and distant areas). The project loon targets such parts of the world and others that have been hit by natural calamities, and allows them internet connectivity. 

Loon Working 

The project Loon makes use of software algorithms to determine the position of the balloons and where it needs to go so that it is always in the right direction. Because The Balloons always stay above ground level it was necessary that they use a renewable kind of energy. They use solar cells and wind energy for power themselves. The Loon design comprises three parts which are the envelope, solar panels, and equipment.

Envelope: The envelope is actually the inflated part of the balloon that makes it float in the air. It is made up of polyethylene plastic and is 12 to 15 meters in height when completely inflated. The envelope is custom-made for enduring the low pressure (1/100 atm) that is present on higher altitudes. It is resistant to UV radiation and can efficiently function in temperatures as low as -58 degrees Fahrenheit (14.44 °C).
Bladder: The envelope contains a chamber named bladder which is used to make the balloon lighter or heavier for flight or descent respectively.

Gasses used: When the balloons are launched they are filled with Helium and air mixture. After a period of 100 days, they are collected at the collecting points, recycled, and launched again for service.

Parachute: Every balloon contains a parachute that is responsible for the safe and sound landing of the entire setup. Each Google Loon balloon has a life of about 2 years.

Solar power: Each unit has electronics that are powered by solar panels providing 100 W of power, which is enough for running the equipment at night as well.

Electronics: The electronic equipment contains circuit boards that are responsible for controlling the system, radio antennas for communication with other balloons and internet antennas on the ground, batteries for storage of solar power, and weather equipment that monitor the weather conditions.

ISM Bands: The project Loon currently uses ISM bands (mainly 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands) that are free to be used by anyone. ISM stands for industrial, scientific, and medical bands that are reserved internationally for the use of radiofrequency energy for purposes other than telecommunications.