Aerial platforms for Earth observation are also increasing in viability, particularly high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS). Tucson-Based World View Enterprises, a private American near-space exploration and technology company, launched a high-altitude balloon in a successful stratospheric mission in 2017. This uncrewed, remotely controlled balloon called the “Stratollite” was able to carry a communications payload for the United States Southern Command, which believes it can use the vehicle “to help combat human and drug trafficking and maritime piracy.”
