Sceye Airship over Fairhope

Sceye, a high altitude helium-filled solar-powered airship, passes directly over Mullet Point Park in Barnwell the afternoon of MAR 27 2026. Captured at an altitude of 50,900 feet or 9.6 miles, the 214 foot long by 65 foot wide airship moves at a ground speed of 42 knots or 48 mph as it moves southeast. Tracking data indicates the balloon’s flight originated in Roswell, NM, where aerospace company Sceye has its headquarters. By early evening, the airship was approaching Mexico Beach, FL.

Sceye operates off solar power during the day and batteries at night and can carry more than 500 pounds of equipment. Sceye has solar panels mounted on top of the airship, which can be seen in the photo. Unlike most high altitude balloons that drift with the wind, Sceye’s panels help generate power for propulsion, enabling the airship to maintain a geostationary position if needed. The airship is launched vertically like a rocket but then transitions to horizontal travel after reaching target altitude. Sceye is considered a HAPS, or High-Altitude Platform Station.

According to the company’s website, Sceye’s mission is “to connect and protect our planet from the stratosphere.” While much of the company’s efforts are to expand communications by acting as a cell tower in the sky, the firm receives an award from NASA last year to demonstrate an environmental sensor capable of providing persistent monitoring from the stratosphere. The ability to monitor natural resources, crops, vegetation cycles and short term events like floods or volcanic eruptions are considered some of the potential areas of study from high altitude airships. Sceye’s flight level is so high that there is no risk of collisions with commercial aircraft, which fly at lower altitudes.

Photo shot from Fairhope, approximately twelve miles from the airship, using a Nikkor 200-500 telephoto lens…