Hi all,
What do you think about the impending options for High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS)?
I might write an article soon, but in a nutshell I'm interested in the opportunity to address the issues that cubesates in LEO were supposed to solve, but haven't quite nailed. There is a big limitation of optics, and satellites in LEO can only get so close to the earth. If we want higher resolution imagery then a HAPS platform at only 20km above sea level, that offers competative power, mass, volume and telecomms budget, should be a disruptor for some constellations.
Here's an example of a project Airbus are looking to commercialise. THey currently hold the record for a vehicle that can fly for upto 25 days straight on solar power. They have a goal to extend battery life to last a full year.
At the right price point, this can be a better option for many earth observation applications (especailly re. smart cities) and can provide a great proof of concept vehicle for new startups looking for less risky and cheaper options to climb the TRL ladder and raise incremental investment.
https://www.airbus.com/defence/uav/zephyr.html