High Altitude Platform Station
Near-Space Laboratory for Research and Technology Validation
Near-Space Laboratory
APD Space's high-altitude balloon program offers a cost-effective, flexible platform for scientific research, climate monitoring, and space prototyping. Operating in the stratosphere (20–40 km, up to ~50 km), balloons carry payloads above 99% of the atmosphere — enabling experiments impossible from the ground.
They are rapidly deployable, recoverable, and reconfigurable — bridging terrestrial labs and orbital satellites with a unique near-space laboratory. This platform provides critical testing capabilities for materials, electronics and biological samples in space-like conditions.
At altitude, our platforms experience pressure less than 1% of sea level, temperatures from -60°C to -90°C, and intense radiation exposure — simulating near-space conditions for cost-effective testing without orbital launches.
Providing space-like results without orbital launches — enabling breakthrough research and technology validation.
Altitude Capabilities
Near-Vacuum Advantage
Stratospheric conditions that simulate the harsh environment of space
Extreme Cold
Temperatures reaching -60°C to -90°C for thermal testing
Near-Vacuum
Pressure <1% of sea level simulating space conditions
Radiation Exposure
Intense UV and cosmic radiation for materials testing
Above Atmosphere
Operating above 99% of Earth's atmosphere
Clear Observations
Unobstructed views for astronomy and Earth observation
Rapid Access
Quick deployment compared to orbital launches
Scientific Parameters Measured
Comprehensive data collection for research and validation
Radiation & Solar Activity
Cosmic rays, UV, X-rays, and gamma rays measurement for space weather research
Gas Composition
Monitoring O₃, CO₂, CH₄, NOₓ for atmospheric chemistry and climate studies
Earth Observation
Vegetation, ice cover, oceans, and cloud tops monitoring from near-space perspective
Astrobiology
Near-vacuum exposure testing of biological samples for space research
Space Testing
Mission components validation in near-space environment before orbital deployment
Communications Testing
Validation of communication systems and electronics in extreme conditions
Mission Use Cases
Diverse applications across scientific, commercial, and defense sectors
Weather Forecasting
Modeling upper atmosphere dynamics for improved weather prediction and severe storm tracking
Climate Science
Validating satellite data and monitoring greenhouse gases for climate change research
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Telescopes positioned above atmospheric distortion for clearer space observations
Space Prototyping
Testing communications, electronics, and shielding systems before orbital deployment
Disaster Monitoring
Real-time imaging and monitoring of wildfires, floods, and cyclones for emergency response
National Security
Persistent surveillance and communications relay for defense and security operations
Platform Advantages
Cost-effective alternative to orbital launches with unique capabilities
Rapid Deployment
Launch-ready in days, not months, with minimal infrastructure requirements
Recoverable & Reusable
Payloads can be recovered, reconfigured, and reflown for iterative testing
Cost-Effective
Fraction of the cost of orbital launches while providing near-space conditions
Technical Specifications
Advanced capabilities for diverse mission requirements
Operational Parameters
Mission configuration and capabilities
- Altitude range: 20-40 km standard, up to 50 km maximum
- Flight duration: Several hours to days depending on mission
- Payload capacity: Customizable from kilograms to tons
- Launch sites: Multiple locations for optimal coverage
- Recovery systems: GPS tracking and controlled descent
Environmental Conditions
Near-space environment characteristics
- Atmospheric pressure: Less than 1% of sea level
- Temperature range: -60°C to -90°C ambient conditions
- Radiation environment: Intense UV and cosmic radiation
- Atmospheric coverage: Operating above 99% of atmosphere
- Wind conditions: Stratospheric jet stream navigation
Mission Impact
Enabling breakthrough research and technology development