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India Joins Elite Group by Testing HAPS: Game-Changing Solar “Pseudo Satellite” Technology

High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) vehicle
The National Aerospace Laboratories located in Bengaluru, India recently completed the first test flight of a solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) vehicle. This marks a major milestone in India’s development of indigenous HAPS technology. The achievement puts India among a handful of nations currently innovating ways to utilize this advanced type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
The National Aerospace Laboratories included a small 23 kilogram prototype HAPS in the successful test, with a wingspan of about 12 meters. Engineers flew it at the Challakere testing facilities in Chitradurga district of Karnataka state. The trial flight kept the prototype airborne for approximately 8.5 hours at an altitude of around 3 kilometers. Though not full size, this inaugural journey of the scaled-down HAPS marks considerable progress. The accomplishment places India alongside China, South Korea, and the UK as pioneers exploring innovative applications for solar-powered aircraft operating autonomously in the stratosphere.
What altitude did the HAPS prototype reach?
The HAPS prototype achieved an altitude of 3 kilometers, or about 2 miles, and remained airborne for 8.5 hours.
Details of Test Flight of HAPS
Despite the scaled-down proportions, the National Aerospace Laboratory’s HAPS prototype remained continually airborne for 8 and a half hours. It smoothly ascended to an altitude of about 3 kilometers during the test. The team noted that this vehicle was approximately one-third the size of the full scale high-altitude pseudo satellite aircraft that the engineers will ultimately deploy. Once larger versions undergo successful tests, the goal is military utilization for border surveillance by the year 2027.
The test flight allowed the concept vehicle to demonstrate the feasibility of solar-based propulsion and navigation systems. With further refinement guided by data gathered, National Aerospace Laboratories scientists can progress to augmented endurance trials on route to operational deployment.
What is High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS)?
A high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) is a specialized type of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that operates autonomously in the stratosphere over 20 kilometers above Earth’s surface. HAPS incorporate solar cells and batteries to continually recharge, allowing these remotely piloted aircraft to fly extremely long flights.
Unlike satellites, HAPS do not require expensive rocket launches to deploy. But they provide persistent overhead presence for months at a time, similar to satellites in orbit. So HAPS effectively act as a lower-cost satellite alternative that bridges the gap between space platforms and conventional airborne systems. The recent successful test by India’s National Aerospace Laboratories demonstrated a HAPS prototype’s basic functionality at stratospheric altitudes.
HAPS aircraft like the indigenous prototype use lightweight materials, energy efficient avionics, and solar power systems. This advanced technology combination enables ultra-long flights for applications like border surveillance. HAPS bring satellite-like persistence to a flexible aerial platform at a fraction of the cost.
What are the Capabilities and Uses of HAPS?
The high-altitude pseudo satellites under development can operate autonomously at 18-20 kilometers high, almost double typical airliners’ altitude. Advanced HAPS incorporate lightweight solar cells to continually recharge systems for months or years aloft. This stratospheric endurance mimics satellites without high launch expenses. HAPS aim for persistent border surveillance with continuous aerial monitoring. Their long flights and flexible payloads also enable disaster recovery efforts. HAPS can restore communication networks and survey damage in real-time to guide emergency response. Their capabilities suit military surveillance needs while their resilience aids disaster-struck regions.
Countries Developing HAPS
India recently joined a handful of nations pioneering solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) systems. China, South Korea, and the United Kingdom are also experimenting with HAPS technology and possible applications. These countries aim to leverage HAPS capabilities for increased border surveillance, communications, and other strategic needs.
Future Development Goals for HAPS in India
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) team has more milestones still to reach, even after the successful maiden flight of India’s solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) prototype. This first successful test flight marked an important early step. Their next major test goal focuses on dramatically extending the flight duration of the unmanned aerial vehicles.
Engineers at NAL aim to conduct another trial soon that will keep a HAPS prototype continually airborne for a full 24 hours. More flight time will enable thorough testing of the aircraft’s energy storage systems and solar recharging capabilities. By 2027, NAL intends to have refined the HAPS technology for practical defense use in border monitoring. The aerospace agency plans to develop an operational surveillance platform through partnerships with India’s aerospace industry.
HAPS Benefits and Obstacles
High-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS) offer major benefits over conventional satellites. HAPS can hover and be redirected, enabling consistent targeting of key areas below. They are directly deployable for lower cost and support modular payloads. Recent tests prove HAPS basic functionality, and further refinements aim to produce low-cost platforms taking over some satellite roles. However, engineers face challenges related to minimal stratospheric flight regulations currently. Unpredictable weather conditions at 20 kilometers high demand advanced navigation avionics as well. Testing helps mature robust HAPS technologies, while updated policies can enable India to realize HAPS’ full potential for communications, surveillance, and other applications.
What makes a HAPS different than a satellite?
A HAPS operates closer to Earth than a satellite and does not require an expensive rocket launch to deploy.
How long can a HAPS vehicle stay airborne?
Advanced HAPS can stay continually flying for months or even years by using solar cells that recharge onboard batteries.
When does India hope to have operational HAPS surveillance technology?
India hopes to develop HAPS border monitoring platforms that are ready for deployment by the year 2027.