Daily Current Affairs : 10-February-2024

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru has effectively finished the first test of a solar-powered “pseudo satellite,” a new age unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Background

HAPS is a still-developing technology, and the successful test flight last week puts India among a very small group of countries currently experimenting with this technology.

About HAPS

The high-altitude pseudo satellite vehicle, or HAPS, can fly at altitudes of 18-20 km from the ground, almost double the heights attained by commercial airplanes. Key features include:

  • Solar Energy Generation: Due to its ability to generate solar energy, it can remain in the air for months, even years, providing it benefits similar to a satellite.
  • Cost Efficiency: It does not require a rocket to get into space, making the cost of operating HAPS several times lower than that of a satellite that is usually positioned at least 200 km from the Earth.

Need for HAPS

The need for the development of high-endurance, high-altitude flying instruments arose from the desire to have continuous surveillance of border areas, particularly in the wake of the Doklam standoff. Key points include:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Satellites located in low-earth orbits and meant to observe the Earth usually move in their orbits and are not watching continuously.
  • Better Solution: Solar-powered unmanned aircraft are considered a better solution for this purpose.

Current State of India’s HAPS

The test flight saw the scaled-down 23-kg prototype with a wingspan of about 12 meters remain in the air for approximately 8.5 hours, reaching an altitude of about 3 km. The next step is to make this vehicle fly for at least 24 hours.

Future Development

NAL will only develop the technology and a prototype. The manufacturing of the actual component will occur with industry linkages.

Important Points:

Successful Test: NAL in Bengaluru completed the first test flight of a solar-powered pseudo satellite, marking a significant advancement in UAV technology.

What is HAPS?:

  • High-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) can fly at altitudes of 18-20 km, nearly double the height of commercial airplanes.
  • Generates solar energy, allowing it to remain airborne for months or years.
  • Operates at a much lower cost than traditional satellites, which are positioned at least 200 km from Earth.

Need for HAPS:

  • Continuous surveillance of border areas is crucial, especially after incidents like the Doklam standoff.
  • Traditional low-earth orbit satellites do not provide constant monitoring.
  • Solar-powered unmanned aircraft offer a more effective solution.

Current State of HAPS in India:

  • The test flight involved a 23-kg prototype with a wingspan of about 12 meters.
  • The prototype remained airborne for approximately 8.5 hours and reached an altitude of about 3 km.
  • The goal is to extend flight duration to at least 24 hours.

Future Development:

  • NAL will focus on developing the technology and prototypes.
  • Manufacturing of the actual units will involve partnerships with industry.

Why In News

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru has successfully completed the first test of a solar-powered “pseudo satellite,” a new-age unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that promises to revolutionize high-altitude surveillance capabilities.

MCQs about India’s Breakthrough in High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites

  1. What is the primary advantage of the high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) compared to traditional satellites?
    A. It requires a rocket to launch
    B. It can generate solar energy and remain airborne for extended periods
    C. It has a larger wingspan
    D. It operates at lower altitudes
    Correct Answer: B. It can generate solar energy and remain airborne for extended periods
    Explanation: HAPS can generate solar power, allowing it to stay in the air for months or even years, which is a significant advantage over traditional satellites.
  2. At what altitude can the high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS) fly?
    A. 5-10 km
    B. 10-15 km
    C. 18-20 km
    D. 25-30 km
    Correct Answer: C. 18-20 km
    Explanation: HAPS can operate at altitudes of 18-20 kilometers, nearly double the height of commercial airplanes.
  3. What was the flight duration achieved by the HAPS prototype during its first test flight?
    A. 5 hours
    B. 8.5 hours
    C. 12 hours
    D. 24 hours
    Correct Answer: B. 8.5 hours
    Explanation: The test flight of the 23-kg prototype saw it remain airborne for approximately 8.5 hours.
  4. Why was there a need for the development of high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS)?
    A. To replace commercial airplanes
    B. For continuous surveillance of border areas
    C. To reduce air traffic
    D. To assist in space missions
    Correct Answer: B. For continuous surveillance of border areas
    Explanation: The need for HAPS arose from the desire for continuous surveillance, particularly in border areas, especially after events like the Doklam standoff.

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