UAVOS has successfully completed a test flight of Mira Aerospace’s ApusNeo 18 High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with UAVOS providing full engineering and technical support.
A primary goal of the mission was to evaluate the jointly developed optoelectronic, gyro-stabilized aircraft Payload Onboard Device (POD) by capturing imagery from altitudes between 3,000 and 12,000 meters.
The flight lasted continuously for 48 hours. During the test, the POD successfully captured high-resolution imagery with precise geolocation data from an altitude of 12,000 meters, achieving a Ground Sample Distance (GSD) of up to two meters.
The optoelectronic gyro-stabilized aircraft POD is engineered for reliable operation in the stratosphere, featuring an innovative automatic temperature control system for heating and cooling electronic modules at temperatures as low as -70°C under rarefied air conditions.
The system supports radio communication at distances exceeding 100 km. The gimbal’s optical unit permits observation within a ±90° range with high-precision angular positioning. The aerodynamically optimized payload housing has a total payload weight of 3.6 kg.
To extend the HAPS operational range, the test flight also incorporated a data-relay network utilizing ground modem repeaters, with each repeater capable of providing a coverage area of up to 200 km.
Aliaksei Stratsilatau, Founder and CEO of UAVOS, commented, “The successful cooperation with Mira Aerospace reflects our commitment to continuously advancing the capabilities of both companies. We also continue to work toward our ultimate goal of leveraging the HAPS platform for multiple applications, including mobile connectivity, border monitoring, mapping, forest fire detection, and emergency response.”
Regarding the relay network, Stratsilatau added, “The data-relay station trials were conducted in preparation for upcoming commercial flights in Europe, planned for the coming months.”
