Google, generally known for being the most widely used search engine, also have a reputation for different innovations in the technological world, such as the Google Glasses. It is with these ideas of innovation that Google has taken to a new project, codenamed Project Loon.

READ MORE: Google Seeking Individuals To Test-Run Computer Glasses

Project Loon, according to Google, “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." 

What this essentially means is that, through technologically capable balloons, a stable internet connection should be provided to places with very little access, giving them a means of connection and communication to parts of the world they would normally not. This can be especially helpful if the wireless internet connection in an area goes down from an earthquake or similar disaster where no one in the area would be able to establish a connection from the ground.

The project is being prepared for launch sometime in June with the balloons being sent out from New Zealand’s south island. The test balloons will fly around the 40th parallel south by testers that are from Christchurch and parts of Canterbury, New Zealand. 

From CNN: 

“Once released, the balloons will float in the stratosphere above 60,000 feet (18,300 meters), twice as high as airplanes and the weather, Google says. Their altitude will be controlled from "Loon Mission Control" using special software to allow them to pick up layers of wind traveling in the right direction and form a balloon network.

If all goes to plan, about 60 people who've had a special antenna fixed on their homes for the trial should be able to connect to the balloon network. The signal will bounce from balloon to balloon, then to the Internet back on Earth. Hundreds of people will be able to connect to one balloon at a time.”

The balloons are equipped with specialized antennas that can provide connectivity to a ground area around 25 miles in diameter at speeds comparable to a 3G service. They are made from polyethylene plastic and stand nearly 40 feet tall when fully inflated. They are designed to be longer lasting than weather ballons and maintain a constant volume while in the air. They are all also equipped with a parachute in case they need to come down.

 

Reach Tech Editor Eric Parra here or follow him on Twitter.