PROJECT LOON

Submitted to:Mrs. Rubal Gill

Department of Computer Science

Submitted by:

Tarun Garg (11ESKCS754)

CS-II Shift

What is Project Loon ?

Project Loon is a network of balloonstraveling on the edge of space, designed toconnect people in rural and remote areas,help fill coverage gaps, and bring people backonline after disasters.

History of Project Loon

In 2008, Google had considered contracting with oracquiring Space Data Corp., but didn't do so.

Unofficial development on the project began in 2011under incubation in Google X

The project was officially announced as a Google projecton 14 June 2013.

On 16 June 2013, Google began a pilot experiment inNew Zealand where about 30 balloons were launched

The TechnologyThe technology designed in the project could allowcountries to avoid using expensive fiber cable that wouldhave to be installed underground to allow users toconnect to the Internet.

This will greatly increase Internet usage in developingcountries in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia.

Project Loon balloons float approximately 20 km abovethe Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, twice as high asairplanes and the weather.

They are carried around the Earth by winds and theycan be steered by rising or descending to an altitude withwinds moving in the desired direction.

Contd.People connect to the balloon network directly fromtheir phones and other LTE-enabled devices.

The signal bounces from balloon to balloon, then to theglobal Internet back on Earth.

Each balloon provides Internet service from 20 km(12 mi) high to a ground area diameter of 40 km (25 mi)wide -covering an area of about 1,257 km2 (485 sq mi).

How LOON Moves

Winds in the stratosphere are stratified, and each layerof wind varies in speed and direction.

Winds in the stratosphere are generally steady andslow-moving at between 5 and 20 mph, and each layer ofwind varies in direction and magnitude.

Project Loon uses software algorithms to determinewhere its balloons need to go, then moves each one intoa layer of wind blowing in the right direction.

By moving with the wind, the balloons can be arrangedto form one large communications network.

How Loon is Designed

1. EnvelopeThe inflatable part of the balloon is called a balloonenvelope.

Loon’s balloon envelopes are made from sheets ofpolyethylene plastic.

They measure fifteen meters wide by twelve meters tallwhen fully inflated.

LOON ENVELOPE AT THE LAUNCH EVENT

2. Solar PanelEach balloon’s electronics are powered by an array ofsolar panels. It uses high efficiency monocrystalline solarcells.

The panels produce approximately 100 Watts of powerin full sun. It is enough to keep Loon’s electronics runningwhile also charging a battery for use at night.

Project Loon is able to power itself using entirelyrenewable energy sources.

LOON SOLAR PANELS

3. ElectronicsA small box containing the balloon’s electronics hangsunderneath the inflated envelope.

This box contains circuit boards that control the system,radio antennas to communicate with other balloons andwith Internet antennas on the ground, and lithium ionbatteries to store solar power so the balloons canoperate throughout the night.

This is the first prototype of the of LOON EQUIPMENT.

The parachute is stuffed into the hole in the centre.

How LOON connects

Each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground areaabout 40 km in diameter at speeds comparable to 3G.

Each balloon is equipped with a GPS for tracking itslocation .

Project Loon partners with telecommunicationscompanies to share cellular spectrum so that people willbe able to access the Internet everywhere directly fromtheir phones and other LTE-enabled devices.

Contd.

The balloons use antennas equipped with specializedradio frequency technology.

Project Loon currently uses ISM bands that are availablefor anyone to use.

LOON Antenna

Contd.

There are two main components inside the shell: theradio in the bottom and the antenna towards the top,separated by a reflector plate.

The top is made up of two green parts that together arecalled a "patch antenna". These receive reflected wavesthat bounce off the reflector and go up into the patchalong with direct waves.

The Pilot Test

Project Loon starts in June 2013 with an experimentalpilot in New Zealand.

A small group of Project Loon pioneers will test thetechnology in Christchurch and Canterbury.

30 balloons, launched from New Zealand’s South Island.

The experience of these pilot testers will be used torefine the technology and shape the next phase of ProjectLoon.

Advantages

Availability of Information

Education

Health and Medicine

Use of Renewable Energy

Collaboration

Disadvantages

Hardware Failure

Internet Privacy

Monopolistic tendency

Bibliography

http://www.google.com/loon/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projectloon

http://www.youtube.com/googleloon