Australian Pseudo-Satellite challenge launched
The High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) Challenge has been launched by a consortium of research partners seeking Australian industry and research interest in developing novel ideas and solutions to a capability gap. It aims to energise Australian development of key technologies and to support development of Australian HAPS that have the station-keeping capability and endurance capacity needed for deployment over an area of operations for a period of days to weeks and beyond.
Very high altitude platforms, or pseudo-satellites (HAPS), are uncrewed vehicles that take advantage of solar energy and weak stratospheric winds to operate without interfering with current commercial aviation. This provides the endurance required to provide long-term services to terrestrial users, much as satellites do. Target applications for HAPS include communications, Earth observation, positioning-navigation and science with potential for more applications in other disciplines.
HAPS represent a unique opportunity to provide persistent, comparatively low-cost ISR and communications services across a wide operational area for Defence and National Security. The development of a sovereign Australian HAPS solution could provide Defence a secure capability supply chain to service its own requirements and boost Australian exports.
The purpose of the HAPS challenge is to address technology gaps by supporting development of this technology by Australian companies. Defence, through the RAAF Plan Jericho and the Air Warfare Centre, Defence Artificial Intelligence (DAI), Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence CRC and RMIT (Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre) are seeking industry and research interest from Australian companies in novel ideas and solutions.
More information on how to become involved in this exciting opportunity is available at https://www.rmit.edu.au/defence-aerospace/haps-challenge
Contact for Enquiries: HAPS.Challenge@tasdcrc.com.au