Brisbane-based space start-up Stratoship is working with the ARM Hub to enhance their high-altitude airship through advanced data and communications technology.
Stratoship’s innovative High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) airship is designed to provide remote sensing and communications solutions across Australia.
While Stratoship’s current communications system supports pilot control of the airship, its bandwidth is insufficient for transmitting the imagery and complex data required for additional payload equipment. This constrains the company’s commercial and market potential.
In pursuit of a solution, Stratoship COO Jennifer Williams reached out to the ARM Hub to explore technical support through the Female Founders Scale-up Manufacturing Program.
The ARM Hub is collaborating with Stratoship to reimagine how data can flow between the airship and ground control.
Mounting Starlink Mini
The project aims to create a tailored solution that enables a real-time, high-bandwidth data transfer from the stratosphere, with the potential to process information directly on-board using AI.
A key element of the project is mounting a high-speed communications system on top of the airship, enabling a high-bandwidth data transfer to stream real-time footage.
“The airship is only partially inflated when it is on the ground, and when it ascends, it fully inflates at operational altitude,” said Shanna Scougall, Senior Mechatronics Engineer at the ARM Hub.
“Due to the balloon’s flexible and sometimes amorphous structure, mounting the communications equipment on top of it is challenging.”
The airship is a fluid system with unpredictable movement, and the stratosphere presents extreme conditions such as low pressure, complex wind currents and temperature fluctuations. ARM Hub is designing a mounting solution that compliments an antenna secure without damaging the airship substrate’s integrity.
“The goal is to strike a careful balance between sturdiness and flexibility.”
Connecting payloads and power
ARM Hub’s mounting solution will be linked to the existing payload bays at the bottom of the airship through data and power cables.
This will allow the airship to transmit complex data from multiple instruments in real time, while maintaining pilot control of the platform.
“For Stratoship, we are accounting for every possibility—from forces on the balloon to environmental conditions in the stratosphere,” said Shanna.
“We are approaching this with experimental rapid prototyping, which allows us to test ideas and iterate solutions quickly.”
Extra manpower and expertise
Beyond researching technical solutions, ARM Hub is providing Stratoship with additional engineering manpower to accelerate development with expertise.
“Our history working with Jennifer and the Stratoship team during their time as a tenant at the ARM Hub has been invaluable,” added Shanna.
“We have a great baseline for understanding their platform requirements and capabilities, which allows for highly efficient collaboration.”
Testing timeline
The project is currently in the design and research phase, with benchtop testing set to commence soon. Following ground level validation, the airship’s mounting and data systems will be tested during a flight at an altitude of approximately 20 km. The project is expected to reach completion by mid-2026.
A vision for high-altitude innovation
This collaboration promises to unlock new commercial markets for Stratoship, including agriculture, emergency services, transport, security, research, and mining.
Real-time applications such as autonomous bushfire detection and advanced environmental monitoring will become possible with the high-bandwidth data link.
“With the ARM Hub’s ongoing support, we are developing scalable, high-performance solutions that position Stratoship as a leader in high-altitude technology,” Jennifer said.
“We aim to bring sophisticated stratospheric capabilities to industries that need them most.”