SOURCE: AFI
NewSpace Research and Technologies has unveiled its High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), named ARKA, following its record-breaking performance in achieving over 24 hours of continuous flight endurance. This accomplishment establishes a new Indian national endurance record for an Indigenous Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), marking a significant milestone in India’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.
ARKA is a cutting-edge HAPS platform designed for ultra-long endurance missions, capable of operating in the stratosphere. This milestone is not only a testament to its robust design and operational efficiency but also demonstrates the increasing capabilities of India’s indigenous aerospace industry. The 24+ hour endurance record showcases its potential to undertake critical tasks such as surveillance, communications, and environmental monitoring over extended periods.
NewSpace Research and Technologies is now preparing for the next phase in ARKA’s development—demonstrating multi-day flight endurance. Success in this endeavor will further cement India’s position in the global aerospace arena and provide unmatched operational capabilities for defense and civilian applications.
This achievement is expected to have a ripple effect across India’s private-sector aerospace and defense ecosystem, catalyzing innovation and encouraging more companies to contribute to indigenous technology development. The ARKA project is a shining example of the possibilities that emerge when private sector ingenuity meets national ambition.
The success of ARKA opens new avenues for India’s defense forces, with potential applications ranging from persistent surveillance over hostile territories to acting as a communications relay during emergencies. In the civilian sector, ARKA could play a pivotal role in disaster management, precision agriculture, and climate research.