A sub-orbital, high altitude communications system that has at least two ground stations and at least one high altitude relay station. Each of the ground stations includes apparatus for sending and receiving telecommunications signals. The relay stations include apparatus for receiving and sending telecommunications signals from and to the ground stations and from and to other relay stations. Apparatus is provided for controlling the lateral and vertical movement of the relay stations so that a predetermined altitude and location of each of the relay stations can be achieved and maintained. Apparatus is provided for retrieving relay stations so that they can be serviced for reuse.