SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (NRT) has rebranded its High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) project as “ARKA” and is preparing for a key endurance demonstration. The scaled-down version of ARKA, spanning 8 meters, aims to showcase a 7-day flight endurance capability in the coming months. This milestone will further establish India’s advancements in HAPS technology, which bridges the gap between traditional satellites and aerial platforms.
NRT has already achieved a significant breakthrough, completing its first ARKA flight, which lasted over 21 hours. This success demonstrates the platform’s potential to maintain prolonged high-altitude operations, paving the way for its next ambitious goal of a week-long solar-powered mission.
The ARKA project is part of the Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative, a flagship program by the Ministry of Defence aimed at fostering innovation in India’s defense sector. Under this initiative, NRT has signed a contract to develop an initial proof-of-concept demonstrator that targets solar-powered flight capabilities exceeding 48 hours. The program emphasizes long-endurance capabilities, leveraging solar energy to power the aircraft during day and night cycles.
High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites like ARKA hold significant strategic value due to their ability to provide satellite-like capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Their high endurance and maneuverability make them ideal for border surveillance, real-time monitoring, and extending communication networks in remote areas.
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