Facebook Internet's solar-powered Aquila drone passed first full-scale test

Facebook has completed its first successful test of its solar-powered Aquila drone, being developed to deliver internet service to remote areas of the world. The test flight represents a major milestone for Facebook’s efforts to bring the internet to underserved locations of the planet.

Background:

The lightweight Aquila is Facebook’s ambitious project, which aims at providing affordable internet access across the globe. Facebook has invested billions of dollar in getting more people online through the not-for-profit internet.org and by building drones.

• The project consists of a solar-powered aircraft with a wingspan bigger than a Boeing 737 that can stay up for months on end.
• The plane uses a laser to beam data to a base station on the ground.
• The plane will operate between 60,000ft (18km) and 90,000ft (27km) – above the altitude of commercial airplanes – so it would not be affected by weather.
• It will climb to its maximum height during the day, before gliding slowly down to its lowest ebb at night, to conserve power when its solar panels are not receiving charge.
• Lacking wheels, or even the ability to climb from ground level to its cruising altitude without aid, it will be launched with the help of helium balloons, which will rise it to its preferred height.