World View looks to expand customer base for its ‘Stratollite’ balloon
Arizona-based company World View Enterprises is exploring new markets for its Stratollite® balloons, which can provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) from high altitudes. Company CEO Ryan Hartman said the US military is one potential market, noting discussions with the Army's Pacific command about "operationalizing the stratosphere."
World View’s business this year is 65% defense-related work, but Hartman expects more commercial activity in future. World View’s Stratollites can loiter over an area for a very long period of time, with high-quality imagery and full-motion video capabilities.
World View recently wrapped up a US Air Force contract to demonstrate the balloon’s ISR abilities for Special Operations Command. Stratollites can fly up to 95,000 ft, offering 250W of power and a payload capacity of 50 kg. They have a 5 cm-per-pixel resolution from 50,000 ft, and can stay in the air for up to 45 days. While they are large - with a volume similar to a college football stadium - they are difficult to detect due to their material and slow speed, according to Hartman.
World View is also developing technology for NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, and plans to offer balloon rides for tourists in 2024.
