Facebook proposes Aquila plan to connect the world with solar drones

NetEase Technology News March 27, according to foreign media reports, Facebook's main theme has been "to change the world, to connect every corner." Yet nearly 5 billion people worldwide are still expected to be unable to enjoy stable internet access. In this respect, Facebook has proposed a Aquila program, an ambitious project that uses solar drones to provide high-speed Internet connectivity across the globe.

Although the Aquila plan is still at a very early stage of planning, Facebook has a very serious attitude towards it.

Facebook acquired the drone development company Ascenta last year, whose design team has now been able to develop its own UAV prototype that can continue to fly for 3 months at a height of 60,000 feet to 90,000 feet. Each of these drone prototypes has a wing (about 156 feet) comparable to the Boeing 767, but the overall mass of the aircraft is only equal to the quality of an ATV.

Facebook expects about 1000 such drones to keep the entire planet at a high speed connection. As for areas that are extremely remote and unsuitable for drone arrivals, Facebook is also considering satellite coverage.

"We want to serve everyone in the world." Yael Maguire, head of the Facebook link Planning Laboratory, Yayaire Marquille the New York Times.

Facebook's initial test activity for solar drones has been scheduled to start this summer, and it's been a long time since the plan was finally realized. Facebook is not the only technology company currently trying to connect to the world through drones, and rival Google has unveiled project Whye plans early, though the latter is mainly using high-altitude weather balloons to make internet access. (Lu Xin)