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Source-This post on High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Vehicle (HAPS) is based on the article “Meet HAPS: India’s very own UAV that can fly 20 km high and float for months” published in “The Indian Express” on 10th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru has successfully completed the first test of a solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle , known as HAPS.
What is High-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle (HAPS)?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). 2. It is designed for extended periods of operation at high altitudes, typically in the stratosphere. |
| Features | 1. HAPS can reach altitudes of 18-20 km, nearly double that of commercial airplanes. 2. It is solar-powered and can remain in the air for months, even years, offering advantages similar to those of a satellite. 3. HAPS operating cost is significantly lower than than that of a satellite. |
| Significance for India | 1. It is still a developing technology; India’s recent successful test flight places it among a select group of countries like China, South Korea, and the UK which are developing this technology. 2. It can significantly increase India’s surveillance and monitoring capabilities in the border areas. 3. If calamities damage normal networks, it can deploy mobile communication networks in remote areas. |
What is National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)?
1. It is a premier aerospace research and development organization located in Bengaluru, India.
2. It operates under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is involved in the design, development, and testing of various aerospace technologies, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and related systems.
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