successfullytrialed its solar-powered high-altitude drone Aquila, which can be used toprovide internet services in remote areas, the company announced July 21.
CEO Mark Zuckerbergsaid in a July 22 Facebook post that the testing took place in Yuma, Ariz., onJune 28, where Aquila flew for 96 minutes.
Zuckerbergadded that the company is still working on various improvements, such asAquila's weight, power, control, speed, altitude, load and communications, andwill conduct further tests.
Uponcompletion, Aquila can orbit a region of up to 60 miles in diameter and beaminternet connectivity from over 60,000 feet, via laser communications andmillimeter wave systems. It can also fly for up to three months at a time.