Earlier today, Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company had completed construction on its first, full-scale aircraft, dubbed Aquila. Facebook has talked about Aquila before—it’s essentially a solar-powered, unmanned aircraft that can beam data to the ground using lasers, while airborne. According to Zuckerberg, Aquila has a wingspan similar to a Boeing 737 (roughly 42 meters), but it weighs less than a typical car and can remain airborne for months.
Facebook undertook this project as part of its Internet.org efforts. If you’re unfamiliar with Internet.org, it is an initiative led by Facebook, with the goal of bringing together leaders in technology, nonprofits, and local communities to help connect the two thirds of the world that doesn’t have internet access. Zuckerberg explains in his post announcing the completion of Aquila, “This effort is important because 10% of the world’s population lives in areas without existing internet infrastructure. To affordably connect everyone, we need to build completely new technologies.”
In addition to designing and building the solar powered, lightweight aircraft, Facebook also pioneered some interesting laser communication technology. Also from the post, “We've successfully tested a new laser that can transmit data at 10 gigabits per second. That's ten times faster than any previous system, and it can accurately connect with a point the size of a dime from more than 10 miles away.” Transmitting data with lasers is nothing new. But achieving those kinds of speeds, within a low-power envelope, while airborne is impressive.
Aquila will fly at approximately 60,000 feet—well above commercial aircraft—and remain in the air for up to 3 months at a time. A ground station will transmit a radio internet signal to a “mother” aircraft, which will then in turn feed other aircraft in the constellation using free space laser communication tech. The aircraft will then blanket wireless internet access to the ground below.
Zuckerberg closes his announcement with, “Over the coming months, we will test these systems in the real world and continue refining them so we can turn their promise into reality.” I’m hoping their efforts pay off. The internet has not only afforded me a career that I love, but I can’t imagine not having access to the wealth of information that is on-line. It’s high time everyone has access as well.
