Once again, we find ourselves holding our breath as Google announces yet another experiment that is going to ensure the availability of internet to the world. Even with increasing popularity and dependability on internet, two-thirds of people do not have means to a fast and affordable internet. Google however is making all possible efforts to remedy the problem; by way of a new experiment announced while 2013 called the ‘Google balloon.' The experiment is also widely being termed as the ‘loon experiment’ due to the unorthodox design and prototype, and very truly so.
Google presented the following plan for the launch of the experiment. The balloon will be launched into the stratosphere where it will float around the globe, assisted by mild wind currents as well as the machinery that would be attached to it. The balloons have been designed to stay in the stratosphere for three trips around the globe and would require replacement every 100 days. They would be stationed approximately 12 miles above the earth. For prolonged life of the balloon, steps are being taken to ensure that the vast surface area of 500 square meters affords us no risk of holes. The balloon is engineered out of material that is only sturdy enough to withstand the air pressures and temperature changes in the upper atmosphere. Every unit will be filled with helium and equipped with a mini Linux-based computer to control the movement of the balloon and to monitor air pressure and temperature in the stratosphere. Signals from the balloon would be transmitted to special internet antennas mounted to homes and offices. Each balloon will be equipped to provide high-speed internet to all its residents within a 12 miles radius.
Google marked its first success of the experiment in New Zealand on June 10, 2013 where 30 balloons were set free into the stratosphere near the Lake Tekapo. Many were baffled to see the unidentified entities ascending up in the sky and countless enjoyed the commotion. A few of them even took a leap of faith for the untested theory and reaped the rewards in the end when they were able to witness and benefit from the first success of the experiment. Google has made likely the dream to access high-speed internet in rural areas around the world. Three cheers to all of the efforts, but let us start asking questions now. How much can we depend on the internet from this source? We might be left staring at our devices once the balloons sail past out range. So is it worth spending all the money on the antennas without the guarantee for uninterrupted web surfing? In addition, no matter how durable the balloons might be, they are still balloons. How much loss are we liable to suffer if one of the balloons disintegrates into the altitude with all the costly machinery attached to it?
Relying on balloon to fulfill our internet need may be a Looney notion and so the name for the experiment very much fits the initial launch plan. How far and how long it will take to succeed is a question the answer for which we could figure out as the experiment progresses along. Even thought the idea may not be foolproof, we all have our fingers crossed. We may not have all the answers now, and neither does Google. So let’s appreciate their efforts and root and pray for them to make this dream possible. Let us make mistakes, and try again, several times over if we have to so that we can ultimately nail it in the end. Because the benefits that the internet is likely bring is an advantage at a very massive magnitude. The price for the connection in exchange also is not very high to pay.
Works Cited
Fitchard, Kevin. Google: Project Loon balloons will circumnavigate the globe 3 times. 13 November 2012. <https://gigaom.com/2013/11/13/google-project-loon-balloons-will-circumnavigate-the-globe-3-times/>.
Grant, Rebecca. Google[x] unveils Project Loon to bring the world Internet via balloon. 15 June 2013. <http://venturebeat.com/2013/06/15/googlex-unveils-project-loon-to-bring-the-world-internet-via-balloon/>.
LAWSON, HELEN. Project Loon takes to the skies: Google launches BALLOONS in bid to bring wi-fi internet to the remotest places on Earth. 15 June 2013. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2342127/Now-Google-launches-BALLOONS-bid-bring-internet-remotest-places-Earth.html>.
Smith, Chris. Project Loon explained: Can Google's balloons unite the world online? 22 September 2013. <http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/project-loon-explained-can-google-s-balloons-unite-the-world-online--1182663>.
