CSIR NAL flies test-drone that can double up as ‘pseudo satellite’
- February 11, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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CSIR NAL flies test-drone that can double up as ‘pseudo satellite’
Subject: Science and tech
Section: Msc
Context:
- National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully tests solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS), a UAV.
About HAPS:
- HAPS are like drones, except that they are expected to be in the stratosphere — well above where commercial planes fly — and can be powered enough by solar cells and a battery-system to be able to hover for days on end.
Features of High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS):
- HAPS can fly at 18-20 km altitude, remain airborne for months, akin to a satellite.
- Cost-effective compared to traditional satellites, offers continuous surveillance.
Benefits/Advantages of HAPS:
- These solar-powered vehicles have been designed to plug the missing link between unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying in lower altitudes and conventional satellites in space.
- The use of HAPS is considered for a variety of applications such as:
- telecommunications,
- emergency/public safety communications,
- intelligent transportation systems,
- maritime surveillance,
- environmental monitoring,
- land border control applications, etc.
- Compared to ground-based communication networks, HAPS can cover larger areas with less interference.
- They could also help ease data transfer when used as an intermediate conduit between a satellite and ground-based telecom networks.
- Unlike regular satellites that are expensive to build and launch, HAPS cost far less and are easier to launch.
National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)
- It is India’s only government aerospace R&D lab, established in 1959 under CSIR.
- Focuses on high-tech aerospace disciplines, advanced test facilities recognized as National Facilities.
- Contributions span five decades, enriching Indian aerospace programs globally.
- Developed critical technologies for strategic sectors, supporting national mission-mode programs.