Stratospheric Airship Platform:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at an altitude of around 17 km.
- During the flight, data from onboard sensors was collected for the development of high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude flights.
- It strengthens India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
- Stratospheric Airship is an unmanned airship designed for high-altitude operations in the stratosphere, typically between 17 to 22 kilometers above Earth.
- It operates as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), capable of remaining airborne for extended periods and utilizes helium for buoyancy.
- Unlike satellites or aircraft, it can stay over a specific area for extended periods, offering persistent surveillance and communication.
