CSIR NAL flies test-drone that can double up as ‘pseudo satellite’

Scientists at the CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories have successfully tested an unmanned aerial vehicle, called High Altitude Pseudo Satellite at Challakere, Karnataka, earlier this month. This prototype, scientists associated with the project told The Hindu, “met or exceeded all the performance metrics set out for it.” However a series of tests have been planned and they are expected to culminate in a full-bodied craft – with a wingspan of 30m – by 2027. “There are only one or two companies in the world capable of making solar-cell films that thin,” said L. Venkatakrishnan, Chief Scientist and Head, NAL, and in-charge of the HAPS programme. CSIR-NAL aims to design and build the HAPS’ propellers, battery management system, carbon-composite airframe, flight-control system, and the high-powered electric motors that can withstand extreme temperature ranges.