Q. With reference to the High-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle (HAPS), consider the following statements:
1.Solar panels and energy storage systems enables HAPS to stay airborne for extended periods.
2.It can help in monitoring environmental changes and natural disasters.
3.The primary advantage of HAPS compared to traditional satellites is its ability to operate beyond geostationary orbit.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. HAPS is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). It is designed for extended periods of operation at high altitudes, typically in the stratosphere. HAPS are equipped with solar panels and energy storage systems, enabling them to stay airborne for extended periods, often weeks or months, by harnessing solar energy during the day and utilizing stored energy during the night. HAPS operating cost is significantly lower than that of a satellite. HAPS can provide high-speed data transmission for large-scale events, as well as for various applications such as disaster management, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications, acting as a valuable alternative or complement to traditional satellite systems.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The primary advantage of HAPS compared to traditional satellites is not their ability to operate beyond geostationary orbit, but rather their lower altitude operations (typically in the stratosphere, around 20-50 km above Earth’s surface). This altitude allows HAPS to provide more targeted coverage, better resolution for imaging and data collection, and potential cost savings compared to satellite systems in higher orbits. HAPS are significantly less expensive to develop, launch, and operate compared to traditional satellites.
Source: Forum IAS
