“We are seeing that the HAPS platform is becoming very popular these days, although it’s technically very difficult to achieve and hence not aggressively done in the past.
GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup developing the world’s first private multi-sensor earth observation satellite, has also become the first company to successfully test its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology on a subscale High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), an UAV developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). The demonstration was conducted on May 10 at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) near Chitradurga, facilitated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marking a significant development in the realm of aerospace innovation.
“We are seeing that the HAPS platform is becoming very popular these days, although it’s technically very difficult to achieve and hence not aggressively done in the past. Once this platform becomes commercialised it will be better optimised than putting a satellite in orbit. This is a cost-effective surveillance solution and also stays above our heads for 20 hours to seven days unlike the limited power of drones,” said Suyash Singh, co-founder and CEO of GalaxEye, in a conversation with TNIE. Weighing about 5 kg, the mounted SAR on HAPS achieved an altitude of 3.5 km with stability for 2.5 hours and was continuously monitored.
HAPS can be considered a middle ground for drones and satellites, they operate in the stratosphere, offering unprecedented capabilities for prolonged aerial surveillance. Leveraging solar energy and advanced battery systems, these platforms can stay aloft for extended periods. At the stratosphere SAR emerges as a pivotal technology for all-weather, all-time imaging hence overcoming the challenge of cloud cover, which delays the traditional electro-optical cameras.
However, the IIM-Madras incubated startup seemed positive about India taking the forefront of SAR innovation and fostering technological self-reliance, aiming to redefine global standards. Singh highlighted that SAR holds immense potential for environmental monitoring and disaster management.
An NAL spokesperson said, “SAR technology is vital for HAPS, and GalaxEye’s drone-based SAR capabilities show promise for integrating such systems into HAPS. While the initial tests are encouraging, a series of further tests will be necessary before these platforms can be deployed for practical applications.”
source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)