NewSpace Successfully Complete High-Altitude Pseudo Satellite 24+ Hour Prototype Flight Test

Defense News ,India :-  In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian aerospace, NewSpace Research & Technologies (NRT), a Bengaluru-based startup, has completed an unprecedented 24+ hour flight test of its advanced High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) prototype.

This milestone not only showcases the prowess of Indian innovation but also positions India as a frontrunner in the development of extended-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The solar-powered HAPS SCALED prototype, weighing 80kg and powered by a brushless DC electric motor, soared over ATR Chitradurga, surpassing all expectations and marking a significant leap in technological advancement.

Building on this success, NRT is gearing up for the development of its ambitious HAPS Full Scale model, which promises an astounding 90-day airborne mission capability at high altitudes. With an increased maximum take-off weight of 450kg and a payload capacity of 35kg, the larger model represents a monumental leap in UAV capabilities.

Before venturing into the full-scale version, NRT plans to conduct further endurance trials with the HAPS SCALED model. These tests aim to push the boundaries of the prototype with a continuous 7-day flight at an altitude of 20km above mean sea level (AMSL), maintaining a cruising speed of 100km/h.

The Indian Navy has expressed keen interest in NRT's HAPS technology, recognizing its potential for long-endurance surveillance, communication, and other maritime applications. With an estimated development cost of ₹450 crores for the HAPS Full Scale, the Indian Navy emerges as a major prospective user, underscoring the strategic significance of this innovative aerospace endeavor.