Project Loon
Project Loon will provide Internet access to underserved areas via high-flying balloons. (Photo: Google)
New Zealand Pilot
Project Loon got started this week with a pilot in the Canterbury area of New Zealand with 30 balloons in the air and 50 testers on the ground. (Photo: Google)
Project Loon
Project Loon workers prep the balloons for deployment. (Photo: Google)
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The balloon carries avionics software, flight sensors, and power systems, Google said.
(Photo: Google)
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Solar panels, which only need four hours to charge, keep everything operational.
(Photo: Google)
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The orange "peanut clamp" weighs down the balloon and keeps it in place before launch.
(Photo: Google)
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Balloons are filled with 12 tanks of helium, which controls how quickly the balloon ascends.
(Photo: Google)
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The team installs the altitude control system.
(Photo: Google)
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"Project Loon balloons use super-pressure envelopes, meaning the volume of the balloon remains constant, like a mylar party balloon," Google said. "This allows the balloons to stay afloat for much longer than a zero-pressure (variable volume) balloon."
(Photo: Google)
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Making final preparations for launch.
(Photo: Google)
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Google said it takes about six people to get a balloon in the air, from the launch commander to those doing ground checks.
(Photo: Google)
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Google is using wind data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
(Photo: Google)
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Those who want to access Project Loon balloons attach these antennas to their homes.
(Photo: Google)
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Project Loon in action.
(Photo: Google)
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Project Loon in action.
(Photo: Google)