While NAL focuses on technology development and prototyping, the actual manufacturing will involve industry collaborations.
Bengaluru’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has completed the first successful test of a solar-powered “pseudo satellite,” marking a significant advancement in India’s surveillance capabilities along its borders. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), known as a high-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle (HAPS), operates at altitudes of 18-20 km, offering extended surveillance durations similar to satellites but at a fraction of the cost.
During the test conducted at Challakere testing range in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, a scaled-down prototype of the HAPS weighing 23 kg with a 12-meter wingspan flew for approximately eight and a half hours at an altitude of around 3 km. This achievement places India among a select group of nations exploring this technology, including China, South Korea, and the UK.
Abhay Anant Pashilkar, NAL’s director, highlighted the significance of the milestone, noting that further tests are needed before industrial production can commence. The next objective is to conduct a 24-hour flight to validate the solar power generation system, including the charging of batteries during the day for nighttime use. NAL aims for deployment by 2027.
The development of HAPS stems from the need for continuous surveillance of border areas, especially following events like the 2017 Doklam standoff. Unlike battery-powered UAVs limited by flight duration, solar-powered aircraft offer prolonged monitoring capabilities. Also, they can serve various purposes, including disaster response and providing mobile communication networks in remote regions.
While NAL focuses on technology development and prototyping, the actual manufacturing will involve industry collaborations. The successfully tested aircraft was a scaled-down version, with plans for a full-scale model in the future. Other entities, including private companies like Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies, are also investing in similar solar-powered UAV initiatives.
The successful test flight signifies India’s progress in aerospace technology, particularly in advancing surveillance and disaster response capabilities. With further development and collaboration, solar-powered pseudo satellites could play a vital role in addressing various societal and defence needs.
