ADVANCEMENT IN UAV TECHNOLOGY: HIGH ALTITUDE PSEUDO-SATELLITE (HAPS) TESTS

1. In February 2024, The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) achieved a major milestone in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology through successful tests of a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS).
2. Since the 1990s, there has been a surge in global initiatives aimed at exploring the potential applications of High Altitude Pseudo Satellites, or High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).
3. HAPS are strategically positioned above 20 km altitude, residing in the stratosphere, enabling them to conduct very-long-duration flights lasting for months or even years.
4. These unmanned aircraft come in diverse forms, including airplanes, airships, or balloons, each tailored to suit specific mission requirements.

Understanding High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS)

Overview

1. Solar-Powered UAV: HAPS is a solar-powered UAV capable of generating solar energy to sustain flight for extended periods, even months or years.
2. Operating Altitude: Operating in the stratosphere at altitudes ranging from 18-20 km, nearly double that of commercial airplanes, HAPS offers surveillance capabilities comparable to satellites.
3. Mission Scope: Designed for persistent surveillance, communications, and specialized scientific missions, HAPS represents a still-evolving technology placing India among a select few countries experimenting with this advancement.

Rationale for Development

1. Continuous Surveillance: The need for continuous surveillance, especially in border areas following incidents like the Doklam standoff in 2017, initiated the development of HAPS.
2. Overcoming Limitations: Previous limitations with battery-powered UAVs and satellites led the development of solar-powered UAVs like HAPS.
3. Cost Efficiency: With significantly lower operating costs compared to traditional satellites, HAPS eliminates the need for expensive rocket launches.

Versatility and Applications

1. Disaster Response: HAPS can be deployed in disaster scenarios to provide mobile communication networks, particularly in remote areas where traditional networks may be disrupted.
2. Aerial Mapping: Acting as "towers in the sky," HAPS offers greater flexibility than satellites for aerial mapping and surveillance.

India's Position in International Development

1. Innovation Frontiers: India stands alongside prominent nations like China, South Korea, the UK, and the US (through NASA) in the development of High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) technology.
2. Government-Industry Collaboration: The synergy between government agencies, research institutions such as NAL, and private enterprises is fostering innovation and advancements in HAPS technology.
3. Beyond Defense Applications: The applications of HAPS technology extend beyond national security and defense, offering commercial opportunities in telecommunications, environmental monitoring, and scientific research.

About CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

1. Introduction: - Established in 1959 in Bengaluru, CSIR-NAL stands as the sole government aerospace R&D laboratory in India's civilian sector.
2. Core Focus Areas
   1. High-Technology Orientation: CSIR-NAL focuses on advanced disciplines within aerospace, emphasizing technological advancement.
   2. Contributions to National Programs: The laboratory has provided invaluable contributions to all of India's national aerospace endeavors.
3. Mandate and Objectives

1. Technology Development: CSIR-NAL's mandate is to develop aerospace technologies with robust scientific foundations.
2. Aircraft Design and Construction: Additionally, the institution is tasked with designing and building small to medium-sized civil aircraft.
3. Support for National Programs: CSIR-NAL plays a pivotal role in supporting various national aerospace programs with its expertise and resources.

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