High-Altitude Balloon Provides Cell Service to Firefighters Over West Mountain Complex

A Pioneering Approach to Firefighter Communication

In a groundbreaking experiment, an experimental high-altitude balloon has been deployed above the West Mountain Complex fires, providing crucial cell phone service to firefighters on the ground. Floating in the stratosphere at an altitude of approximately 60,000 feet—about 20,000 feet higher than the highest commercial airline flights—the balloon is testing new ways to enhance communication during wildfire outbreaks.

The Thunderhead Balloon Takes Flight

Launched on August 4 from Baker City, Oregon, the Thunderhead Balloon is operated by Aerostar, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based company. The balloon, which measures 70 feet wide and 42 feet tall, is designed to be barely visible from the ground, appearing as a tiny white speck in the sky.

The balloon is filled with helium and carries a sophisticated array of equipment known as STRATO (Strategic Tactical Radio and Tactical Overwatch). This payload includes an LTE antenna, solar panels, batteries, and various navigation and communication devices, enabling the balloon to provide continuous connectivity to the firefighters battling the West Mountain Complex fires.

Revolutionizing Firefighter Communication

One of the key components of this mission is the LTE antenna, which pivots to maintain a strong signal between the Thunderhead Balloon and the firefighters on the ground. “In this particular test, cell phone connectivity for multiple devices was established within a 30-mile range,” said Aerostar’s Culture and Communications Director, Anastasia Quanbeck. A Starlink internet receiver is also part of the payload, ensuring an uninterrupted connection to the incident command post near Cascade.

In regions like the West Mountain Complex, where rugged terrain often disrupts radio communications, this aerial cell signal offers a significant advantage. Forest Service Public Affairs Specialist Evan Burks explained that the area was chosen specifically for its poor cell service, making it an ideal testing ground for the new technology.

Real-Time Fire Monitoring with Infrared Technology

In addition to enhancing communication, the Thunderhead Balloon is equipped with an infrared camera that provides real-time updates on the fire’s size and the hottest areas. Typically, fire managers rely on aircraft that fly once per day to capture infrared images. The balloon’s sensor, however, offers continuous monitoring. Remarkably, it was the first to detect the Snag Fire, which was started by lightning on August 5, 11 miles east of Cascade.

Mission Completion and Future Plans

The Thunderhead Balloon is expected to complete its test flight over the West Mountain Complex within about two weeks. Once the mission concludes, the balloon will be steered to a safe area, where a system will create a tear, allowing the balloon to descend via parachutes. The payload, including transmitters, cameras, and other equipment, will also be safely recovered.

“This particular mission was to establish proof of concept using just one balloon,” Quanbeck said. Looking ahead, Aerostar envisions deploying a constellation of six to eight Thunderhead balloons over the entire Northwest during fire season. These balloons would work together to provide full coverage over affected areas, adjusting to wind patterns to rotate in and out of target zones.

Beyond its immediate firefighting applications, the STRATO flight test is expected to contribute to several long-term NASA research efforts in science and aeronautics. The mission will also help develop technology to forecast emissions and air quality from wildfire smoke, demonstrating the balloon’s potential in a wide range of future uses.