Google project Loon: here is how LOON is designed: equipment, solar panels, circuit, materials...

By observing how this project is crafted, we could be confident. The pilot test will help us to learn more.

Pending theses occasions, Project Loon’s balloon envelopes are
made from sheets of polyethylene plastic and stand fifteen meters wide by twelve meters tall when fully inflated.

Google reported that they are specially constructed for use in superpressure balloons, which are longer-lasting than weather balloons because they can withstand higher pressure from the air inside when the balloons reach float altitude. A parachute attached to the top of the envelope allows for a controlled descent and landing whenever a balloon is ready to be taken out of service.

Each unit’s electronics are powered by an array of solar panels that sits between the envelope and the hardware. In full sun, these panels produce 100 Watts of power.

Project Loon is able to power itself using only renewable energy sources.

Regarding the equipment, a small box containing the balloon’s electronic equipment hangs underneath the inflated envelope, like the basket that is carried by a hot air balloon. This box contains circuit boards that control the system, radio antennas to communicate with other balloons and with Internet antennas on the ground, and batteries to store solar power so the balloons can operate during the night.

About project Loon

Project Loon is a network of balloons traveling on the edge of space, designed to connect people in rural and remote areas, help fill in coverage gaps and bring people back online after disasters.