Project Loon aims to provide internet access to rural and remote areas using high-altitude balloons. The balloons float in the stratosphere and work together to form a wireless network. Each balloon can provide internet access over an area 40 km wide. The balloons are powered by solar panels and move with wind currents to stay aloft for months at a time. Project Loon has conducted pilot tests in New Zealand and hopes to bring internet access to more of the world.

1. PROJECT
LOON
Submitted to:
Mrs. Rubal Gill
Department of Computer Science
Submitted by:
Tarun Garg (11ESKCS754)
CS-II Shift

2. What is Project Loon ?
Project Loon is a network of balloons
traveling on the edge of space, designed to
connect people in rural and remote areas,
help fill coverage gaps, and bring people back
online after disasters.

3. History of Project Loon
In 2008, Google had considered contracting with or
acquiring Space Data Corp., but didn't do so.
Unofficial development on the project began in 2011
under incubation in Google X
The project was officially announced as a Google project
on 14 June 2013.
On 16 June 2013, Google began a pilot experiment in
New Zealand where about 30 balloons were launched

4. The Technology
The technology designed in the project could allow
countries to avoid using expensive fiber cable that would
have to be installed underground to allow users to
connect to the Internet.
This will greatly increase Internet usage in developing
countries in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia.
Project Loon balloons float approximately 20 km above
the Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, twice as high as
airplanes and the weather.
They are carried around the Earth by winds and they
can be steered by rising or descending to an altitude with
winds moving in the desired direction.

5. Contd.
People connect to the balloon network directly from
their phones and other LTE-enabled devices.
The signal bounces from balloon to balloon, then to the
global 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).

6. How LOON Moves
Winds in the stratosphere are stratified, and each layer
of wind varies in speed and direction.
Winds in the stratosphere are generally steady and
slow-moving at between 5 and 20 mph, and each layer of
wind varies in direction and magnitude.
Project Loon uses software algorithms to determine
where its balloons need to go, then moves each one into
a layer of wind blowing in the right direction.
By moving with the wind, the balloons can be arranged
to form one large communications network.

8. How Loon is Designed

9. 1. Envelope
The inflatable part of the balloon is called a balloon
envelope.
Loon’s balloon envelopes are made from sheets of
polyethylene plastic.
They measure fifteen meters wide by twelve meters tall
when fully inflated.

10. LOON ENVELOPE AT THE LAUNCH EVENT

11. 2. Solar Panel
Each balloon’s electronics are powered by an array of
solar panels. It uses high efficiency monocrystalline solar
cells.
The panels produce approximately 100 Watts of power
in full sun. It is enough to keep Loon’s electronics running
while also charging a battery for use at night.
Project Loon is able to power itself using entirely
renewable energy sources.

12. LOON SOLAR PANELS

13. 3. Electronics
A small box containing the balloon’s electronics hangs
underneath the inflated envelope.
This box contains circuit boards that control the system,
radio antennas to communicate with other balloons and
with Internet antennas on the ground, and lithium ion
batteries to store solar power so the balloons can
operate throughout the night.

14. This is the first prototype of the of LOON EQUIPMENT.
The parachute is stuffed into the hole in the centre.

15. How LOON connects
Each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground area
about 40 km in diameter at speeds comparable to 3G.
Each balloon is equipped with a GPS for tracking its
location .
Project Loon partners with telecommunications
companies to share cellular spectrum so that people will
be able to access the Internet everywhere directly from
their phones and other LTE-enabled devices.

16. Contd.
The balloons use antennas equipped with specialized
radio frequency technology.
Project Loon currently uses ISM bands that are available
for anyone to use.

18. LOON Antenna

19. Contd.
There are two main components inside the shell: the
radio 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 are
called a "patch antenna". These receive reflected waves
that bounce off the reflector and go up into the patch
along with direct waves.

20. The Pilot Test
Project Loon starts in June 2013 with an experimental
pilot in New Zealand.
A small group of Project Loon pioneers will test the
technology in Christchurch and Canterbury.
30 balloons, launched from New Zealand’s South Island.
The experience of these pilot testers will be used to
refine the technology and shape the next phase of Project
Loon.

21. Advantages
Availability of Information
Education
Health and Medicine
Use of Renewable Energy
Collaboration

22. Disadvantages
Hardware Failure
Internet Privacy
Monopolistic tendency

23. Bibliography
http://www.google.com/loon/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projectloon
http://www.youtube.com/googleloon