Drone Home? Facebook Reportedly Pursuing Acquisition Of Titan Aerospace

No, Facebook drones will not be swooping down from the sky to deliver up-close-and-personal pokes, but according to a report by TechCrunch, the social network is in talks to acquire near-orbital, solar-powered drone manufacturer Titan Aerospace for $60 million, with the aim of using the drones to help bring Internet access to parts of the world currently lacking, starting with Africa, as part of its Internet.org initiative.

TitanAerospaceSolara60650No, Facebook drones will not be swooping down from the sky to deliver up-close-and-personal pokes, but according to a report by TechCrunch, the social network is in talks to acquire near-orbital, solar-powered drone manufacturer Titan Aerospace for $60 million, with the aim of using the drones to help bring Internet access to parts of the world currently lacking, starting with Africa, as part of its Internet.org initiative.

According to TechCrunch, the project would start with the construction of 11,000 Solara 60 (pictured above) unmanned aerial vehicles, which can store enough energy to reach 20 kilometers above sea level and remain there for five years without needing to refuel or land.

According

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Spring Special

Save 30% Off an ADWEEK Subscription Today!

View Your Options

Already a member? Sign in