Register

Facebook to Step Into Aviation Market?

** Titan Aerospace**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Facebook reportedly plans to acquire Titan Aerospace, a company that develops solar-powered, high-altitude satellite drones.
  • Titan's self-sufficient drones, like the Solara 60, can fly at 65,000 feet for up to five years and are intended by Facebook to provide Internet access to currently unserviceable global regions.
  • These drones offer a less expensive and quicker-to-deploy alternative to traditional satellite systems for applications including internet provision, tracking, monitoring, and disaster response.
See a mistake? Contact us.

You may already feel like big brother is watching you after you put a little bit more information on Facebook than perhaps you should have. And, if a report from TechCrunch is true, Facebook may soon be watching you from above. The report claims that the social network giant plans to purchase Titan Aerospace, now led by former Eclipse CEO Vern Raburn.

Titan has developed two solar-powered, high-altitude satellite drones, the Solara 50 and Solara 60, capable of carrying up to 250 pounds of load. The drones are completely self-sufficient, flying in atmospheric orbit at 65,000 feet, powered by solar power generated by cells mounted on the wings, elevator and horizontal stabilizer. The power generated during the day is stored in lithium ion batteries within the wings and Titan claims they can remain in orbit for as long as five years.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE