AALTO to Establish Zephyr Stratospheric Hub in Northern Australia

AALTO HAPS Ltd, a subsidiary of Airbus, has announced plans to establish its second global launch and landing site in northern Australia. The new facility will support operations for its Zephyr, a solar-powered High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS), also known as a stratocraft. This move marks a significant expansion of AALTO's operational footprint, following the establishment of its first 'AALTOPORT' in Kenya in 2024.

The development positions AALTO to better serve the Asia-Pacific region and capitalize on the growing demand for persistent, regional earth observation and communications services from the stratosphere. By creating a hub in Australia, the company aims to collaborate with local industry, seeking partners for payload development and integration. This initiative aligns with Australia's strategic interest in developing sovereign capabilities in the HAPS sector, as highlighted by government initiatives like the HAPS Challenge.

Zephyr Platform Capabilities

The Zephyr is an ultra-lightweight Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with a wingspan of 25 meters and a weight of approximately 75 kg, according to company data. It operates in the stratosphere at altitudes above 60,000 feet, flying above commercial air traffic and weather systems. Powered by solar panels that charge its batteries during the day for nighttime flight, the platform is designed for extreme endurance. In 2025, a Zephyr aircraft set a flight endurance record of 67 continuous days. The Zephyr S model can carry a payload of up to 5 kg, capable of providing services like surveillance and communications over an area of 7,500 square kilometers.

These platforms are classified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as HAPS, defined as stations on an object at an altitude of 20 to 50 km at a fixed point relative to the Earth. They function as pseudo-satellites, offering a flexible and lower-cost alternative to space-based assets for regional applications, including extending 5G connectivity to remote areas.

Regulatory and Future Outlook

AALTO HAPS Ltd is currently engaging with Australian regulatory bodies, including the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), to secure the necessary approvals for site selection and flight operations. The establishment of the Australian site is a key step in the company's strategy to create a global network of launch locations for its stratospheric services.

The company's expansion reflects a broader industry trend toward utilizing the 'stratospace'—the atmospheric layer between commercial airspace and low-Earth orbit. As AALTO moves forward with its plans, the focus will be on securing a suitable location in northern Australia and formalizing partnerships with local technology and defense firms to develop and deploy new payload capabilities.

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