Google Balloons: 7 things to know

Google is experimenting with helium-filled balloons that beam the internet from the sky. Developed over a period of 18 months, these jellyfish-shaped balloons are part of Project Loon that Google has commissioned them in New Zealand.

Here are 7 things about Google's internet beaming balloons.

• What are Google Balloons

→ The helium-filled balloons are made from a thin polyethylene film and are 15 meters (49 feet) in diameter when fully inflated.

• Where are they present?

→ They float in the stratosphere about 20 kilometers (12 miles) above the Earth.

• How Google Balloons work?

→ The balloons would sail on the stratosphere's winds in a continuous circuit around the globe. The balloons come equipped with flight computers, and Google would control the balloons' altitude from the ground, keeping them moving along a desired channel by using different winds at different heights.

• Are Google Balloons revolutionary?

→ Google says past attempts to control balloons have involved tethering them or using expensive motors to keep them in place. They say simply sailing with the winds was one of the company's breakthrough ideas.

• What is the advantage?

→ Google says the balloons have the potential to provide internet access far more cheaply, quickly and widely than traditional underground fiber cables.
One downside is that computer users on the ground would need to installa receiver to get the signal.

• Reach of Google Balloons

→ The transmitter on each balloon would beam down the internet to an area about 1,250 square kilometers (780 square miles) - twice the size of New York City.

• Challenges Google Balloons face

→ Managing the flight of just one balloon in our complex and ever-changing atmosphere is a huge challenge. Trying to harmonize an entire fleet of thousands of them will be mind-boggling.