2017 2nd IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends in Electronics Information & Communication Technology (RTEICT), May 19-20,

2017, India

PROJECT LOON: INNOVATING THE

CONNECTIVITY WORLDWIDE
Lavina Nagpal,
B.Tech Computer Engineering,
MPSTME NMIMS University,
lavina.nagpal28@gmail.com
Krishna Samdani,
Computer Engineering Department,
MPSTME NMIMS University,
krishna.samdani@nmims.edu

Abstract—Project Loon is an ingenious initiative by the Internet is not accessible in some remote and rural areas and
Google to provide a wireless network to remote areas thus speed might not be so high. And believe it or not, the reality is
providing Internet access to 4.5 billion people who are currently
offline. This technology involves the use of specially designed that even today approximately 2/3 of the population is
helium balloons launched in the stratosphere, which work in
deprived of the Internet access. Zuckerberg believes that
coordination with each other and the ground antenna based on
complex algorithms, thus aiming to provide a cost effective yet digital divide is one of the greatest challenges of our
reliable and environment-friendly way to beam the Internet from generation [3]. Following graph demonstrates this divide
the sky to places lacking it. This preternatural phenomenon thus between the people who are online and offline taking into
aims at innovating the connectivity worldwide. account both developed and developing nations [3].

Keywords—Project Loon, Internet, Solar Panels, Remote

Areas, Network, Economical

I. INTRODUCTION
Google believes that there are various issues with existing
Internet technology such as but not limited to the cost and
terrestrial challenges. Moreover, in some of the places in
Southern Hemisphere, the cost of an Internet connection is more
than most people’s monthly income, thus affordability of
Internet is of great importance in such areas. And another major
challenge is that, in some areas, it is not possible to set up
connection because of lack of infrastructure and other resources. Fig.1: Online Population of the developed [3/4] and developing [1/4] nations
[3].

Imagine what would happen when 4.5 billion people who are The following statistics would help us to understand the
currently offline, would get Internet access? Each one would offline population and then evaluate the reasons for the same.
start contributing to the sources on Wikipedia, Facebook,
Twitter, etc. [2]. One of the key aims of this project is to expand
and enhance the web’s influence throughout the Earth to
everyone and not just a limited number of people. Google X (the
team behind this initiative) wants everyone to be connected by
the end of the decade. This could increase educational and other
disaster relief opportunities in countries where the existing
technology is an expensive alternative. This project aims at
providing free access to people in rural and remote areas.
During crisis and other disasters, affordable Internet could be
used to provide and share crucial information across borders, Fig.2: Demographic of the offline and online population [3]
thus save lives and curb the fatal consequences of the situation. .
McKinsey & Company’s landmark report on digital divide
The unofficial development of this project began in 2011 and clearly explains how there are other factors that affect the
was officially announced in June 2013 [2]. A pilot experiment availability of the Internet as shown in Figure 2. The data was
was conducted in New Zealand involving 30 balloons and 50 based on the 20 countries with the largest offline population
users in Christchurch and Canterbury Region. After this, it aims (75% approximately) [3].
at providing Internet access to the region covering Australia,
Chile, Argentina and New Zealand and later, further expanding
the scope of the project in other regions [2]. There are certain
issues involved with the existing Internet services like the

978-1-5090-3704-9/17/$31.00 © 2017 IEEE

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 2017 2nd IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends in Electronics Information & Communication Technology (RTEICT), May 19-20, 2017, India

System) has been installed. Using complex algorithms, the

position of each balloon is determined which helps in forming
the communication network [4].

Fig.3: Worldwide Internet Penetration [7]

II. CHALLENGES TO PROVIDING INTERNET

GLOBALLY
Fig 4: Balloons in the stratosphere [12]
The gallimaufry of challenges to providing the Internet globally: With an approximate lifespan of 2 years and reusability
quality, these helium balloons are entirely solar powered.
Incentives: Either the population is unaware of it or it doesn’t
offer resources that are of their use or provides services, which They have 3 components:
are not the most feasible solutions in those regions. For
example, In Middle Eastern countries, where companies like x Envelope
Amazon don’t deliver or using a credit card online is not safe,
the scope of Internet is limited in a lot of aspects [3]. x Solar Panels
Affordability: “For about 2/3 of Southern Hemisphere, the
x Electronics
average monthly Internet access cost exceeds the average
monthly income for someone living in that country.” In places
like Bangladesh and Vietnam, the cost of buying a smartphone
is almost 20% of their per capita income [3]. Also, in places like
sub-Saharan Africa, charging a phone for a month costs as much
as the cost of a data plan [3].
User Capability: Linguistic and Digital Literacy both are of
equal importance.

Infrastructure: In rural and remote areas, the installation or the

setup cost is extremely high, thus depriving Internet access to
the people living in these regions (more frequent in developing
and least developed countries).
Moreover, various types of “adjacent infrastructure” also play a
crucial in providing Internet access to reliable electricity, well-
built roads etc. [3].

Thus, to provide Internet access to everyone, one needs to keep

all of these problems in mind and find a solution that serves all
of these issues.
Fig 5: Components [8]
III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
These balloons have been launched at an altitude of 20km in the Envelope: These helium-filled balloons are made of
stratosphere. These are positioned twice as high as where the polyethylene plastic material and the inflatable part is the
airplanes fly and weather changes occur. The winds here are envelope. It is UV resistant and can survive temperatures as
steady and below 20mph and is perfect for solar panels as the low as -80 degree Celsius.
clouds are absent [4]. A fully inflated balloon:
Average Height: 12m
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides Average Width: 15m
wind information thus being the most important factor in Average Lifetime: 100 days
determining and directing the balloons to ascend or descend. To They are equipped with a parachute that helps it to land safely
track the location of the balloon, a GPS (Global Positioning on Earth during a crisis or otherwise.

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communicate with other balloons, batteries to store solar power

Solar Panels: It is made of flexible plastic laminate and etc. hang below the balloon [1].
provides power to its electronics. It uses monocrystalline solar
cells and the panels are mounted at steep angles.
Average Power (in one day): 100W

Electronics: A box containing circuit board to control the

system, Linux-based computer, radio antenna for
communication, GPS for tracking location, sensors to monitor
and record weather conditions and lithium batteries to store
solar power hangs under the envelope.
These balloons have been launched at an altitude of 20km in
Figure 8: Box below the balloon [10]
the stratosphere. These are positioned twice as high as where
the airplanes fly and weather changes occur. The balloons are These balloons are also equipped with special parachutes that
designed to withstand the atmospheric conditions of the help in controlled landing in case of failure or during
stratosphere, as the air pressure is 1% of the sea level, the maintenance. They are able to power itself using renewable
temperature hovers around -50 degrees C etc. These balloons energies [1].
are steered by rising or descending with the steady winds of
the stratosphere. The speed and direction of the balloons are The outer balloon is filled with Helium and the inner balloon is
adjusted using the wind data provided by the National Oceanic filled with air, which we pump through this fan. The air makes it
and Atmospheric Administration. heavy and allows us to move the balloon down by a 1 km or so.

Fig. 6: Testing of Model [9]

Fig.9: Pilot Test Components [9]

Fig.7: Pilot Tests [9]

The balloons are underinflated when launched as the in the
stratosphere, we have only 5%of density of air on the ground. It
takes 1 hour to reach the destination.
They carry a custom air pump called the ‘Croce” that pumps in
or releases air to control the elevation of the balloon [1]. A small
box (100kgs) containing the electronic equipment such as the
circuit board, radio antenna, Ubiquity Networks Rocket M2 to
Fig. 10: How Loon Connects [11]
The ground antenna sends a signal to a balloon, which sends
signals to neighboring balloon and so on. In the end, it reaches
a ground station, which is connected to a local Internet
provider. The Internet Service Provider sends a response back
to the balloon and thus data has been transmitted through the

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network. Each balloon can provide connectivity to a ground
area about 40km in diameter and speeds comparable to 3G.
For balloon-to-balloon and balloon-to-ground
communications, the balloon uses antennas equipped with
specialized radio frequency technology. Project Loon
currently uses Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio
bands (specifically 2.4 and 5.8GHz bands) that are available
for anyone to use.
Fig.11: Balloon Powered Internet [12]
To extrapolate the concept, consider the following 2 cases:
Fig.12: Real Life Scenario [10]
When you are traveling on the highway and using your
cellphone, you are switching between various towers. Now
flip the concept. You are stationary and the balloons are
moving above you. So as soon as one balloon goes, the other
balloon takes its place.
Fig.13: Flipping the concept [10]
Google has already developed a fleet planning software that
would help them to determine the path of every balloon.
Now as the balloon goes up, its range increases (simple
geometry). Our objective is to create overlapping circles to
provide constant high-speed Internet [5].
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Fig.14: Objective for High Speed [10]
Fig. 15: Fleet Planning [10]
Google plans on creating safe landing zones or recovery zones
for these balloons to be able to reuse the products as much as
possible and ensure that no damage is caused. They also
coordinate with the air traffic controllers at the time of both
launch and descent to avoid any kinds of accidents [2].
These balloons work exclusively with the special antennas and
are not compatible with other standard Wi-Fi networks. The
radios filter the signals despite using similar frequencies thus
providing higher bandwidth. Loons use unlicensed Industrial,
Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio bands at very low power
[2]. Data is automatically encrypted while transmitting
through the network to ensure the security and integrity [2].
The balloons in the stratosphere are controlled from ‘Mission
Control’ [2]. They have some automatic control function such
as venting gas to prevent it from bursting or using a parachute
in case of emergencies etc. Users receive the Internet through
radio frequency technology. The average lifespan of a balloon
is 100 days. These balloons are tracked continuously at all
times and can easily be reached by the Operations Team after
its landing [2]. As these balloons are flying twice as high as
the airplanes and are launched and landed in coordination with
the local air traffic controller, the chances of clashes are
minimized to a bare minimum [2].
For this project, the following topologies are being considered:
 2017 2nd IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends in Electronics Information & Communication Technology (RTEICT), May 19-20, 2017, India
-Spanning Tree Topology
Fig.16: Spanning Tree Topology [2]
Advantages: Robust system, greater connectivity.
Disadvantages: High cost, more no. of base stations and no
connection between balloons themselves.\
Hybrid using Mesh and Star Topologies
Fig.17: Hybrid using Mesh and Star Topologies [2]
Advantages: Robust system, balloon-to-balloon connection.
Disadvantages: High cost, more no. of base stations.
-Ring Topology
Fig.18: Ring Topology [2]
Advantages: Easy fault detection, low cost, only 1 base
station.
Disadvantages: Not Robust, Difficult to rebuild.
-Dual Ring Topology
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Fig.19: Dual Ring Topology [2]
In this topology, when one of the balloons is disconnected, we
can have the uninterrupted connection, as there is an additional
path available [2]. Some of the benefits are:
x Low cost
x System is robust
x High connectivity
x Fault detection and correction is easy.
Other solutions proposed so far:
High Altitude Platforms (HAP)
-Unmanned airships: ~30 tons balloons designed to stay
within a 1km cube for up to 5 years. Environmental friendly
and can’t be relocated in emergencies
-Unmanned aircrafts: ~1 ton weighed vehicle that can stay for
6 months approximately. Radius capabilities: 1-3 miles.
Environmental friendly and can be relocated.
-Manned aircrafts: ~2.5 tons planes that can be flown by a
pilot for 4-8 hours. It is useful for emergency situations but not
environmental friendly as they are fueled [3].
All these models focused on keeping these as immobile or
stationary as possible to provide Internet access and hence
were expensive.
Google’s Richard De Vaul proposed that instead of investing
so much in keeping them stationary, what if there was a way
to float numerous such planes in the stratosphere such that
there is always one in the range.
The pilot test began in June 2013 on the 40 th parallel south (in
New Zealand’s South Island). Presently we have had balloons
that have endured the length of 192 days. But the average life
span is 100 days [6].
 2017 2nd IEEE International Conference On Recent Trends in Electronics Information & Communication Technology (RTEICT), May 19-20, 2017, India
Fig.20: Pilot Test [10] tested successfully with a handful of balloons showing
positive results.

Fig.21: Days of Flight [11]

Fig.22: Google’s Auto launcher for Loon balloons [11]

Furthermore, for interaction, Google is using lasers to increase

Each balloon is networked with one another within thirty
the speed by taking advantage of free space optics. To ensure
miles with a radio transceiver as in a mesh. A second that these balloons survive the extreme climatic changes of the
transceiver keeps the balloon in interaction with hundreds of stratosphere, the tests are now being conducted in McKinley
antennas on ground (in an area about 25 miles). Climatic Laboratory where they are able to control
Loon initially was giving 3G-like speeds and is now aiming to temperatures and test the performance of balloons under as
give speeds comparable to LTE. Hitting about 10 Mbps
low as minus 60 degrees and then improvise the design to
downloads [6].
further increase the life span of these balloons and increase the
performance significantly [11].
Another conspicuous concern is that if this technology would
be suitable for densely populated regions. This is the major
reason why Project Loon is also considering to us Li-Fi (Light
Fidelity) that can provide 2Gbps rate that would increase its
speed by 13 times approximately [6].

It is analogous to Wi-Fi but instead of radio signals, light

signals are used by Li-Fi. Since the light waves cannot
penetrate through walls; it creates a stronger range, which is
more secure and protected from hacking threats.

The need for direct line of sight for Li-Fi in not required for
transmitting signal [6]. The poor performance of Wi-Fi in
Fig. 23: Optical Lens to test the alignment of Google’s lasers [11]
densely populated regions can also be solved by boosting the
bandwidth and capacity which could speed downloads,
People like the Bill Gates believe that this project could serve
improve service quality [6]. The 40km diameter area covered
as a boon in places like Africa where people are suffering
by a single balloon on earth can be increased by using modern
from diseases like Malaria by providing doctor’s help through
technologies like 5G and Li-Fi thus allowing over 10000
the Internet [1]. Furthermore, this would benefit the education
peoples to download at the speed of 10Mbps etc. [6].
sector and provide healthcare and sanitation tips to
Moreover using Li-Fi can also help improve the security of the
underprivileged sections of the society [1].
data being transmitted.
It would also help connect remote areas and give them
economic opportunities to grow and improve their lives.
Some of the recent advancements of the project include the
use of a portable hangar that blocks the winds and uses a crane
to stretch the balloon out and fill it with helium before IV. INFERENCES
launching called the “auto launcher”[11]. Project Engineering
lead Paul said that the balloons could now be launched using TABLE I. PERFORMANCES METRICS
only 4 people in approximately 15 minutes as compared to 14
people and 45 minutes as required initially thus allowing the PARAMETER PROJECT LOON OTHER METHODS
project to get closer to the idea of launching millions of Cost Low / Affordable Higher
balloons in the future to connect people easily. This is a 3G Equivalent or Slightly Higher
Speed
custom built launcher especially designed for these loon Higher Maybe
balloons. One of the auto launchers, Chicken Little was tested Users More Less
in Wisconsin USA and then shipped to a new location and

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The following graph shows that there has been an increase in
the days of flight of the balloon since the inception of the idea
signifying potential scope for it in the future:
V. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
x It would increase the education opportunities for people
in the rural and remote areas who cannot afford the
formal education by going to secondary school.
x It would increase economic opportunities.
x It would provide health and hygiene information to the
people and also help us take advantages of doctors in far
away regions to solve numerous fatal problems.
Fig.24: Series of Loon Balloons launched and its duration observed from
March 2014 to January 2017[11]
x It would help people connect during times of disaster and
help control the damage and further recover from a crisis.
x Not all countries would be willing to support the project,
which could lead.
x Helium shortage in the future is another area of concern.
x Life of a balloon is 100 days on an average after which it
needs maintenance.
x Landing locations of a balloon are beyond our control
and can act as a threat to the safety of people.
x What about those nations that want to provide censored
Internet?
x Spying and security threat of data across borders.
x Logistical issues involving partnering with other nations
VI. RAMIFICATIONS OF THE OBSTACLES
Even though it has been publicized in the tests conducted so
far that Internet connectivity received on the earth is
comparable to 3G speeds so far. How effectively are we able
to switch between the balloons and receive high-speed
Internet is still unclear [3].
In 2013, there was a helium shortage resulting in extremely
high prices of it.
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Thus, developing a solution that relies on Helium may not be
a very a viable solution [3]. Google is
experimenting with a way of safely using hydrogen as an
alternative for it. Nothing has been confirmed yet. It is
important that all member nations contribute to this project
because if any country denies flyover rights, the entire path
of the balloon would be disturbed as a result of which some
of the member nations might not receive the Internet as a
consequence of the decision made by some other nation [1].
VII. CONCLUSION
The Internet and global communication go hand in hand.
There is no denying to the fact that Project Loon would
revolutionize the networking and benefit the underdeveloped
and developing nations enormously by providing free
internet access in rural and remote areas thereby increasing
the educational and economic scope drastically. It would
also help these nations handle disasters and crisis in a much
better manner. It would, however, require the support of all
member nations to come together and collaborate in order to
benefit together. There are areas that still need more work in
order to guarantee complete success of this project.
However, seeing the progress of the project, it does give us a
lot of reasons to stay optimistic and find solutions to deal
with the drawbacks thus making the Internet affordable for
everyone innovating the connectivity worldwide.
REFERENCES
[1] “Project Loon for all”,Available:http://globalresearch.co.in/Global%20_
Research_Vol_II_Iss_II_5.pdf
[2] Prof. Mrs. A. G. Andurkar and Miss Prachi Zodpe, “A Review Paper on
Project ‘LOONS’”, IJARCCE, Vol. 5, Issue 3, March 2016, Available:
http://www.ijarcce.com/upload/2016/march-16/IJARCCE%2035.pdf
[3] Marjorie Carlson, “Balloon Powered Internet for Everyone”, April 2015,
Available: https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/marjorie/loon.pdf
[4] Soujanya Katikala, “GOOGLETM PROJECT LOON”, Rivier Academic
Journal, Vol. 10, Number 2, Fall 2014,
Available:https://www.rivier.edu/journal/ROAJ-Fall-2014/J855-
Katikala_Project-Loon.pdf
[5] Google’s Project Loon, 2014
Available: http://ipnsig.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Project-Loon.pdf
[6] K. K. P. Gayashani, S. T. Indradasa, K. P. L. Kahatapitiya, S. Umaraji, S. R.
De Seram & Dhishan Dhammearatchi, “Loon Balloon plus: Future
Implementations of Google Loon Project, Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary
Research (IJIR) Vol-2, Issue-5, 2016, Available :
http://www.onlinejournal.in/IJIRV2I5/168.pdf
[7] Project Loon: Google to bring Internet connectivity everywhere, Dec
15,Available: http://telecomrevealed.com/project-loon-google-lte/
[8] Raval Sneh, “Loon for all”, Dept. of Computer Science, Available:
http://www.slideshare.net/ravalsneh/project-loon-26431211
[9] Justin Diaz, “Hands On With Project Loon At Google I/O 2016”, May 18,
2016
Available: http://www.androidheadlines.com/2016/05/hands-project-loon-
google-io-2016.html
[10] Vishal Shah, “Project Loon – A Major Leap for Internet Connectivity!”,
March 15, 2016, Available: http://techstory.in/project-loon/
[11] Google X, “Project Loon” Available: http://www.x.company/loon/
[12] Owen Willams, “Track Google’s Project Loon Internet balloons in real
time as they travel the world”, March 2014
Available:http://thenextweb.com/google/2014/03/01/track-googles-project-loon-
balloons-travel-world/c