Adjunct Professor of Mechanical Engineering Hamed Khalkhali explains how solar-powered drones flying high in the sky — about 20 to 30 kilometers up — could help bring faster, more reliable internet to people around the world. These drones can stay in the air for months at a time without using fuel, offering internet and emergency support without creating space junk or relying on expensive satellite launches. Because of this, they could be a smarter, more affordable option — or useful partner — for current satellite systems.
This essay was originally published by on July 20, 2025.