Emirati scientists send solar-powered pseudo satellite into stratosphere

Flying over the UAE skies, Emirati scientists set a new record for the region’s highest flight by sending a solar-powered pseudo satellite into stratosphere. Reaching a height of 61,500 feet, the satellite remained in stratosphere for 23.47 hours before returning to the ground station.

Journalists were given a sneak peek of the latest project at a testing facility on the outskirts of Dubai operated by the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

“This is considered the highest altitude flown by any aircraft in the region. The system allows multiple payloads to be attached and the applications can vary depending on requirements,” explained Sarah Yousef Amiri, Advanced Aerial Systems Programme Manager, EIAST.

The High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (Haps) can fly continuously for over two weeks, 10 times longer than any other Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The system combines the benefits of a satellite, in terms of altitude and applications, and an aircraft, in terms of re-usability and coverage.

Inside the ground station Emirati Avionics Engineer Essa Hareb Al Muhairi is one of the few people tasked with monitoring the Haps project from the ground station. Inside the small cabin on an empty stretch of desert land, a stack of servers and power units fire up the display units. UHF antennae and sensors provide real-time data and video feeds. “We have a complete back-up system and a pilot controls the flight. He is responsible for monitoring the battery charge and discharge while keeping track of weather conditions,” said Essa. A team of three engineers keeps track of the aircraft to ensure safety and adherence to civil aviation regulations. “A navigator charts the ascending and descending operations. He has to keep the flight within the segregated airspace,” he added. The flight engineer and AV commander also supports the pilot and the navigator. Yousuf Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of EIAST said: “This project represents a milestone for EIAST and is a new achievement that will support our efforts to create a culture of applied research and development driven by advanced technologies and innovation.”

Speaking with Khaleej Times, Sarah said: “Communication payloads can extend the coverage of communication systems such as 3G networks to reach areas where physical infrastructure does not allow access.”

Using only solar power to fly above the weather, the aircraft can provide thermal imaging, full-HD video imaging (1080p), creation of temporary communication networks and strengthening navigation.

“Right now, we have to take our aircraft from the demonstration phase into operation and we plan to develop various applications for the government sector,” she added.

The project was launched in March with a team of UAE engineers working with Airbus DS to prepare a model of the Haps system to fly for the first time in Dubai.

By August, the system was assembled and tested in Dubai in preparation for a flight day in September. After assembly, integration and testing, the aircraft weighed 34 kg, with a wingspan of 18 metres, carrying a Full-HD Video payload.

“The purpose of the Haps programme is to advance science and technology in the UAE. This device complements our current capabilities and derives many of its innovations from existing satellite technology which offers similar applications,” noted Sarah.

The test-flight was equipped with video technology providing an image resolution of approximately 10cm equipped with 30 times zooming capability, depending on altitude. Seven Haps aircraft are expected to fly simultaneously once the project becomes operational by the end of 2016.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com