Involve Space: Stratospheric Platforms for Persistent Earth Intelligence

Involve Space: Stratospheric Platforms for Persistent Earth Intelligence

Between satellites and drones lies an underutilized operational layer: the stratosphere. While satellites provide global coverage and drones offer flexibility at low altitude, both face limitations in persistence, resolution, or operational cost. Involve Space develops stratospheric platforms designed to operate in this intermediate layer, enabling continuous, high-resolution monitoring over defined areas. The company builds and operates autonomous balloon-based systems that carry payloads to altitudes between approximately 20 and 40 kilometers, where they can remain for extended periods. By combining aerospace engineering, AI-driven control systems, and mission-specific payloads, the approach aims to deliver real-time Earth intelligence across environmental, industrial, and security-related applications.

Technology and Product

Operating in the stratosphere introduces a distinct set of engineering and system design challenges. Involve Space develops Stratostats®, autonomous pseudo-satellite platforms based on high-altitude balloons designed to carry optical, thermal, and multispectral payloads. These systems operate at altitudes up to around 40 km and are supported by AI-driven flight control software that aims to enable positioning, station-keeping, and mission opti-mization. The platform architecture integrates payload deployment, communication systems, and controlled descent mechanisms, allowing reusable missions and data acquisition over extended durations. By combining stratospheric endurance with higher spatial resolution than many conventional satellites, the system is designed to support Earth observation and near-real-time data delivery.

Modular payload gondola supporting sensors, onboard processing, and communication for continuous data acquisition and transmission. (© Involve Space, 2026)

Industrial Fit and Applications

The strongest use cases for stratospheric platforms emerge where continuous observation and rapid data access are required. The technology is positioned for environmental monitoring, infrastructure observation, disaster response, and defense-related applications. Typical use cases include wildfire and climate monitoring, maritime and land surveillance, and assessment of critical infrastructure. The platforms are also used for flight validation and scientific missions, enabling testing of satellite components and experiments in near-space conditions. Persistent high-altitude observation can support fast response cycles, situational awareness and more flexible deployment compared to most conventional satellite workflows.

Operating at around 20,000 meters above earth, the stratospheric balloon platform occupies observation layers between drones and satellites (© Involve Space, 2026)

Founding Team

Involve Space was founded by Jonathan Polotto (CEO and Chairman) and Claudio Piazzai (CSO and Executive President), who combine experience in aerospace engineering, business development, and strategy. The company has built a multidisciplinary team spanning flight operations, AI, engineering, and mission design.