Sceye, a U.S.-based aerospace company, is making notable advancements in the field of High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) in 2025. Specializing in long-endurance, solar-powered airships that operate above 60,000 feet, Sceye is carving out a significant niche in persistent surveillance, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications. With strategic partnerships and impressive funding milestones, the company is set to redefine the capabilities of aerial platforms in the coming years.
Recent Developments
Sceye has achieved several key milestones in late 2025:
- Strategic Investment from SoftBank Corp.: This major investment has positioned Sceye to launch pre-commercial HAPS services in Japan by 2026. The partnership grants SoftBank exclusive rights to deliver HAPS-based services in the region, paving the way for expanded market reach.
- Series C Funding Round: With a pre-money valuation of $525 million, Sceye raised significant capital to bolster its research and development initiatives, flight testing, and the launch of commercial operations.
- Collaboration with NASA and USGS: Sceye is deepening its partnership with esteemed organizations such as NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to utilize its HAPS platform for monitoring critical environmental issues, including methane emissions and natural disasters.
- Technical Milestones: Achievements such as controlled relocation and sustained operations over target areas underscore the operational flexibility and endurance of Sceye’s airships.
Platform Technology Overview
Sceye’s HAPS vehicles are engineered for efficiency and sustainability. Powered by solar energy, these airships feature advanced thermal battery systems that allow them to maintain operations through the night. Utilizing helium for buoyancy, Sceye’s airships can remain airborne for extended periods, filling a unique space between satellites and terrestrial systems.
Key Applications
The applications of Sceye’s technology are extensive and impactful:
- Environmental Monitoring: Sceye’s airships serve as critical tools for detecting methane “super emitters” and tracking wildfires, storms, and earthquakes. Their high-resolution imaging capabilities enable comprehensive monitoring of environmental changes and natural disasters.
- Telecommunications: By providing connectivity to underserved areas, Sceye supports the burgeoning 6G infrastructure, utilizing a three-dimensional network architecture that enhances the efficacy of drones and UAVs.
Strategic Partnerships
Sceye’s growth trajectory is significantly supported by its strategic collaborations:
- NASA and USGS: These partnerships are focused on addressing climate change and improving disaster response mechanisms through real-time data collection and analysis from stratospheric levels.
- SoftBank Corp.: The partnership not only brings financial backing but also strategic alignment for launching commercially viable HAPS services in Japan.
Funding and Valuation Insights
The Series C funding round has propelled Sceye’s valuation to an impressive $525 million, allowing the company to expand its research capabilities and accelerate the development of its airships. This financial influx is vital for supporting the upcoming commercialization efforts as Sceye prepares for seasonal, long-duration flights that are particularly critical during wildfire season.
Operational Achievements
Sceye recently completed a successful flight program in 2024, which included:
- Controlled Relocation: Demonstrating the ability to reposition airships efficiently while in flight.
- Real-time Mapping: Capturing the largest real-time map of New Mexico, showcasing the platform’s ability to deliver high-resolution, multi-gigabit imaging capabilities.
The Road Ahead
With its sights set on 2025, Sceye is preparing to launch its initial commercial operations. The focus will be on seasonal, long-duration flights designed to tackle pressing challenges such as wildfire monitoring and telecommunications enhancement. The company’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced technologies like precision accelerometers and quartz MEMS gyroscopes into their systems will further enhance their operational capabilities.
Conclusion
Sceye stands at the forefront of HAPS technology, with its recent advancements in funding, partnerships, and technical capabilities making it a leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. As the company prepares for a robust commercial rollout in 2025, its collaborations with NASA, USGS, and SoftBank highlight its commitment to addressing critical global challenges through innovative aerial solutions. The future for Sceye appears bright as it continues to redefine what is possible in high-altitude surveillance and data collection.
References
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$15M deal propels Sceye’s stratospheric ambitions - Albuquerque … (www.bizjournals.com) - 7/11/2025 New Mexico aerospace startup Sceye gets $15M from SoftBank, advancing its stratospheric platform for connectivity and environmental …
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SoftBank Corp. to Launch Pre-commercial HAPS Stratospheric … (www.softbank.jp) - 6/26/2025 SoftBank also signed an agreement with Sceye on June 20, 2025, that gives it exclusive rights to provide HAPS-based services in Japan using …
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Sceye Receives Investment from SoftBank Corp. to Scale … (www.prnewswire.com) - 6/26/2025 Sceye Receives Investment from SoftBank Corp. to Scale Stratospheric Platform Development and Launch Pre-Commercial HAPS Services in Japan in …
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Sceye Partners with NASA + USGS to address climate change from … (news.satnews.com) - 10/30/2024 Sceye will help NASA and USGS detect methane “super emitters,” monitor wildfire activity, storms, earthquakes, and other extreme weather events.
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SceyeSceye: Aerospace Company Raises Series C At $525 Million … (pulse2.com) - 9/18/2024 This provides sufficient liquidity to fund R&D activities and flight programs and launch the initial commercial operations in 2025. This …
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Sceye HAPS Airship Startup Raises Series C From Mawarid (aviationweek.com) - 9/17/2024 The company says the funding round gives it enough cash to support R&D and flight testing, and to launch commercial operations in 2025, when…
