Predictive networking

Loon’s Software-Defined Network enables satellite and high-altitude constellations to operate at scale and to meet the growing global demand for high-speed data connectivity.


Loon Software-Defined Network (SDN) is the world’s first autonomous, production SDN platform designed specifically for aerospace networks.

By combining orbit propagation together with detailed channel modeling, Loon SDN is able to simultaneously optimize network routing, orchestration, and resource management. Instead of only reacting to the current state of the network, Loon SDN predicts and proactively optimizes the future state of every node in the constellation. This minimizes latency and eliminates network disruptions.

Network Resiliency

Route scheduling and optimization minimizes disruptions and avoids signal degradation.

Interference Avoidance

Resolves intra- and inter-system interference with precise channel modeling and cloud-scale analysis of candidate links.

Resource Management

Ensures effective resource management, channel allocation, and optimization across space, air, and ground nodes to meet defined network goals.

Power Savings

Predicting available links at scale eliminates unnecessary links, generating system-wide power and cost savings.

How it works

In satellite and HAPS constellations containing moving nodes, the use of highly directional beams to meet network throughput requirements coupled with non-zero link acquisition times poses a significant challenge.

Traditional routing doesn’t work in meshed constellations because of the highly dynamic nature of each node in the network. Unlike a terrestrial cellular network where the cell tower is fixed, a meshed constellation like Loon is composed of constantly moving towers. This requires dynamically assessing the optimal signal path based on each node in the network, its motion, and changing environmental conditions including weather, interfering signals, and the distance of other nodes in the network.

Loon SDN solves this challenge by predicting the future state of every node in the constellation. Loon’s SDN is:


Loon SDN is used in production on the Loon high-altitude balloon constellation with regenerative payloads and inter-balloon links, providing service to over 300,000 users to date.

Designed for scale

Designed to support satellites, high-altitude platforms, and ground networks with a flexible and modular architecture that can accommodate hundreds of thousands of moving nodes.


Software-as-a-Service delivery allows for future-proof network control layer design, powered by best-in-class infrastructure and security, while minimizing total cost of ownership.

Available today

Leapfrog years of testing and development with Loon’s hundreds of thousands of lines of production code, supported by a team with deep industry expertise.



Loon adapted its SDN platform design to enable Telesat’s LEO constellation to consistently deliver a fiber-like broadband experience on a global basis to both fixed and mobile terminals. The effort resulted in Telesat having access to a scalable and robust network operating system that Telesat can use to optimize capacity across its global fleet of LEO satellites while minimizing latency and ensuring reliable connectivity to end-users worldwide.

“Loon has unique experience developing sophisticated network management software that assures delivery of reliable broadband services over highly dynamic networks that undergo constant change.”

Erwin Hudson Vice President, Telesat LEO


We work with our customers to find flexible and comprehensive solutions that support their business and technical objectives. To discuss integration of Loon SDN into your network, click here.