The Perlan Project, Inc.
The Perlan Project, Inc. is an all-volunteer U.S. nonprofit that operates the Perlan 2 pressurized engineless glider to conduct stratospheric atmospheric and climate research, reaching a record 76,124 feet in 2018. It is funded by donations, education sponsorships, and a flagship partnership with Airbus (Airbus Perlan Mission II), and is pivoting in 2025 to autonomous research platforms.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBeaverton, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What The Perlan Project, Inc. does
The Perlan Project, Inc. is an all-volunteer U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit that operates the Perlan 2, a pressurized, engineless high-altitude glider designed to ride stratospheric mountain waves and the polar vortex to altitudes approaching 90,000 feet for atmospheric and climate research. Founded by former NASA research pilot Einar Enevoldson, the project set the FAI-certified world altitude record for wing-borne subsonic human flight at 76,124 feet in August 2018 after four successive world records between 2017 and 2018. Aircraft systems include a novel closed-loop Environmental Control Life Support System (ECLSS) with mechanical rebreather, integrated pressurization, dual LXNAV LX9000 variometers tied to SkySight stratospheric wave forecasts, and approximately 80-parameter telemetry streamed via Thales FlytLINK and Iridium to a public Virtual Cockpit. Operations are run from Minden, Nevada with seasonal campaign bases in El Calafate, Argentina.
The Perlan Project does not sell products or services. Revenue is generated entirely from individual donations, education sponsorship, and corporate sponsorship, with Airbus serving as the flagship sponsor through Airbus Perlan Mission II and Dennis Tito as a major individual sponsor. The organization reaches supporters through earned media (Smithsonian Air & Space, BBC, CNN, Aviation Week, National Geographic, Wired), aviation events (EAA AirVenture, Soaring Society of America), social channels, the Virtual Cockpit platform, and classroom STEM programs including Cubesat experiments. Through its PARTners consortium — WeatherExtreme, AV Experts/Team Egrett, Stratodynamics, SkySight, Thales, and Iridium — the project is broadening from a single crewed record-attempt glider into a multi-platform research service spanning ground level to 110,000 feet, with a November 2025 strategic pivot toward smaller, lighter autonomous research aircraft.
The project serves three primary constituencies: atmospheric and climate researchers needing in-situ stratospheric measurements, aerospace industry partners (notably Airbus) pursuing zero-emission aviation validation, and educational institutions via STEM outreach. As an all-volunteer organization with no parent company and no disclosed financials, The Perlan Project's strategic trajectory is shaped by episodic campaign cycles and the depth of its anchor sponsor relationships rather than by conventional revenue or headcount growth dynamics.
The Perlan Project, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Perlan Project, Inc.
- Legal name
- The Perlan Project, Inc.
- Website
- https://perlanproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Perlan Project, Inc. is an all-volunteer U.S. nonprofit that operates the Perlan 2 pressurized engineless glider to conduct stratospheric atmospheric and climate research, reaching a record 76,124 feet in 2018. It is funded by donations, education sponsorships, and a flagship partnership with Airbus (Airbus Perlan Mission II), and is pivoting in 2025 to autonomous research platforms.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Perlan Project, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Atmospheric and Aerospace Research
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)
- SIC
- Aircraft & Parts (3720), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support (BPADALAA)
Keywords
Where The Perlan Project, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beaverton
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
The Perlan Project, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Donations of all sizes from hundreds of families and individuals who support the mission. The organization depends on these contributions as an all-volunteer organization.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Primary sponsorship from Airbus through the Airbus Perlan Mission II initiative, providing technical assistance and underwriting a significant portion of costs. Additional in-kind sponsors provide equipment and services.
- Education Sponsorship: Dedicated funding stream for educational programs including STEM initiatives, Cubesat classroom projects, and educational partnerships. Donations can be directed specifically to youth inspiration goals.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Perlan Project, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Perlan Project is an all-volunteer nonprofit that operates the Perlan 2, a pressurized, engineless high-altitude glider, to conduct atmospheric and climate research in the stratosphere using mountain waves and the polar vortex. It also operates the PARTners consortium of research platforms (HiDRON, ApusDuo, Grob Egrett) covering altitudes from ground level to 110,000 feet, and delivers STEM education programs including Cubesat classroom experiments.
Product overview
The Perlan Project is an internationally celebrated, all-volunteer non-profit climate and aerospace research organization. The core offering is the Perlan 2 pressurized engineless glider, which conducts atmospheric research flights into the stratosphere using stratospheric mountain waves. This is supported by the Perlan Atmospheric Research Team (PARTners) consortium and the Airbus Perlan Mission II partnership. Public engagement is facilitated through the Virtual Cockpit telemetry platform and comprehensive Education Programs. The organization also supports unmanned platforms including the HiDRON balloon-launched glider and ApusDuo solar-powered stratospheric UAS through its PARTners network.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Perlan 2 Glider Pressurized, engineless high-altitude glider designed to soar into the stratosphere using stratospheric mountain waves and the polar vortex; has set multiple world altitude records including 76,124 feet in 2018 and conducts atmospheric research including ozone layer measurements.
- PARTners Atmospheric Research Consortium A consortium of scientists, meteorologists, engineers, and aviators providing research platforms, technical support, and expertise to study the atmosphere, weather, aerodynamics, and flight safety from ground level to 100,000 feet.
- Airbus Perlan Mission II A collaborative initiative between Airbus and The Perlan Project to set new altitude records and conduct climate research using stratospheric mountain waves, while advancing zero-emission aviation and inspiring future generations.
- Virtual Cockpit Public web-based platform displaying real-time glider location, altitude, and onboard telemetry data during flights, allowing the public to follow live flight data as it is received by Mission Control.
- STEM Education Programs STEM-focused educational initiatives that turn the stratosphere into a classroom, reaching students of all ages worldwide, including Cubesat experiments, classroom visits, and inspiring the next generation of climate scientists, researchers, innovators, and aviators.
- HiDRON Balloon-Launched Unmanned Glider Award-winning, balloon-launched unmanned glider operated by PARTners member Stratodynamics, capable of being launched and operated at over 100,000 feet for atmospheric research missions.
- ApusDuo Solar-Powered Stratospheric UAS Solar electric-powered stratospheric Unmanned Aerial System operated by PARTners member Stratodynamics, capable of multiple day flights at altitudes up to 65,000 feet.
- Grob Egrett High-Altitude Research Aircraft High-altitude research aircraft operated by AV Experts that can cruise at 50,000 feet, used as the tow plane for Perlan 2 and for independent atmospheric research missions.
Quantifiable outcome
- Highest wing-borne human flight at 76,124 feet - validated through multiple FAI-certified records
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Perlan Project, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
The Perlan Project, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
The Perlan Project, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and supporting.
- AirbusflagshipPrimary corporate sponsor through Airbus Perlan Mission II. Airbus provides technical assistance, financial support, and strategic partnership for high-altitude research flights. Through Project Blue Condor, jointly researching contrails from hydrogen combustion as key technology for zero carbon-emission aviation. Airbus's goal is to field a zero carbon-emission commercial passenger plane by 2035.
- WeatherExtreme LtdcoreWorld leader in meteorological and climatological research, atmospheric science, and specialized forecasting. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Austin, provides critical weather forecasting for stratospheric wave conditions and operates as part of the PARTners consortium.
- AV Experts (Team Egrett)corePremier provider of high-altitude research aircraft operating a Grob Egrett that cruises at 50,000 feet. The Egrett serves as the tow plane for Perlan 2, making world-record altitude attempts possible.
- StratodynamicscoreProvides payload integration and high-altitude flight services using unmanned aerial platforms including the HiDRON balloon-launched glider (100,000+ feet capability) and ApusDuo solar-powered stratospheric UAS.
- ThalescorePartnering to bring AI capabilities to upstream flight planning and provide low-power satellite communication technology. Thales FlytLINK creates highest-ever Wi-Fi hotspot from the stratosphere, enabling real-time video streaming from Perlan 2.
- IridiumsupportingSatellite communications partner providing connectivity infrastructure for Perlan 2's real-time data transmission and video streaming capabilities during stratospheric flights.
- VideosoftsupportingLow-bandwidth video expertise provider enabling streaming of flight video through satellite connections from the stratosphere to the internet.
- Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina)corePartnership with the Argentine Air Force Directorate of Research and Development. Includes signed agreement for cooperation to consolidate data and knowledge acquired through Airbus Perlan Mission II. Ceremony held in Buenos Aires to formalize the partnership.
- ANAC (Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil)supportingArgentine civil aviation authority (similar to FAA) providing necessary permits to fly the Perlan 2 aircraft in Argentina, assisting with logistics, ground transportation permits, and video/photography support.
- EANA (Empresa Argentina Navegación Aérea)supportingArgentine air navigation services provider. Flight plan and air traffic control tower personnel provide essential support for safe flight operations.
- PSA (Policía de Seguridad Aeroportuaria)supportingArgentine airport security authority (similar to TSA) providing logistical support, credential management, coordination with security offices, and credentials processing for the project.
- Aero Club Lago ArgentinosupportingLocal flying club providing hangar facilities to store Perlan 2 and all equipment, access to facilities, and operational support during El Calafate campaigns.
- Centro Nacional de Vuelo a Vela de Montana (CNVVM)supportingMountain wave flying club providing tow pilots and tow planes essential for early project goals. Friendship and hospitality extended throughout the project including Letters of Invitation and NOTAM support.
- Prefectura Naval ArgentinasupportingNaval prefecture providing search and rescue plan development, regular SAR exercises, and 24/7 standby emergency response capability during flight operations.
- Parque Nacional Los GlaciaressupportingNational park authority approving and permitting overflights of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, which is essential for the stratospheric research flight paths over Argentine Patagonia.
- SkySightcoreDeveloped specialized six-day stratospheric wave forecast models in partnership with Perlan over five years of missions. Models predict and resolve mountain wave formation through the stratosphere.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Perlan Project, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sceye: US-based HAPS developer using stratospheric balloons for communications and earth observation. Comparable in operating persistent stratospheric platforms for atmospheric/earth observation research.
- Stratodynamics: Operates the HiDRON balloon-launched glider (100,000+ ft) and ApusDuo solar HAPS, currently a Perlan PARTners consortium member. Most direct comparable in unmanned stratospheric research platforms and flight services.
- World View Enterprises: Stratospheric balloon and high-altitude platform company. Directly comparable as an organization operating persistent stratospheric platforms for atmospheric research, earth observation, and high-altitude data services.
- Zero 2 Infinity: Develops stratospheric balloon platforms (Bloostar) for near-space research and high-altitude services. Comparable business model of operating stratospheric platforms for research and atmospheric data collection.
Others
- Grob Aircraft: Manufacturer of the Grob Egrett high-altitude research aircraft used as Perlan's tow plane. Adjacent infrastructure provider enabling Perlan's flight campaigns up to 50,000 feet.
- Thales Alenia Space: Thales subsidiary providing stratospheric balloon platforms and satellite communications; technology partner for FlytLINK with Perlan. Adjacent in stratospheric communications and platform infrastructure.
Broad incumbents
- Airbus: Primary corporate sponsor through Airbus Perlan Mission II; broad incumbent in commercial aerospace with overlapping high-altitude R&D capability and the Blue Condor hydrogen aviation partnership with Perlan.
- NASA: Federal agency conducting atmospheric, climate, and stratospheric research including UAV and high-altitude aircraft missions. Comparable in mission profile (atmospheric science) at much larger scale and budget; Perlan's chief scientist has served NASA clients.
- NOAA: Federal atmospheric research and weather forecasting agency. Comparable in atmospheric data collection, stratospheric ozone research, and climate science mission with much broader resources.
Emerging players
- Swift Engineering: US aerospace firm developing high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) and stratospheric platforms. Emerging player with comparable stratospheric platform ambitions and partial overlap in research/observation use cases.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Perlan Project, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceThe Perlan Project, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Perlan Project, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
The Perlan Project, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Perlan Project, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Perlan Project, Inc.
What does The Perlan Project, Inc. do?
The Perlan Project is an all-volunteer nonprofit that operates the Perlan 2, a pressurized, engineless high-altitude glider, to conduct atmospheric and climate research in the stratosphere using mountain waves and the polar vortex. It also operates the PARTners consortium of research platforms (HiDRON, ApusDuo, Grob Egrett) covering altitudes from ground level to 110,000 feet, and delivers STEM education programs including Cubesat classroom experiments.
Is The Perlan Project, Inc. a public or private company?
The Perlan Project, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Perlan Project, Inc. founded?
The Perlan Project, Inc. was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Perlan Project, Inc. based?
The Perlan Project, Inc. is headquartered in Beaverton, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Perlan Project, Inc. make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are corporate Sponsorship and education Sponsorship.
Who are The Perlan Project, Inc.'s main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sceye, Stratodynamics, World View Enterprises and Zero 2 Infinity. Others are Grob Aircraft and Thales Alenia Space. Broad incumbents are Airbus, NASA and NOAA. Swift Engineering is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Perlan Project, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Perlan Project, Inc..
What industry is The Perlan Project, Inc. in?
The Perlan Project, Inc.'s product category is Atmospheric and Aerospace Research. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADALAA, Climate Policy, Governance & NDC Support. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 3720.