High Altitude Pseudo Satellites

Troy

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

GRow

Troy I think both LEO cubesats and pseudo sats should be considered in a layered altitude architecture. Both have strengths & weaknesses that combined make for a more resilient & complimentary imagery, pnt & comms footprint.

Taofiq-Huq

It'll be really interesting to see how things line up with HAPS vs satellites, low altitude aircraft, and drones. I understand defence are quite excited to see persistent observation capabilities from HAPS, which should be interesting regarding things like illegal fishing and maritime piracy which I was looking into last year.

Troy

GRow What do you think the appetite of the Aus DoD is to develop or purchase these kinds of capabilities? Would you have any suggestions to any founders looking to address these challenges using HAPS technology?