Pseudo-satellite design and delivery competition launched

Liam Garman

30 March 2021

Consortium launches new challenge for pseudo-satellite design.

Trusted Autonomous Systems, SmartSat CRC, the RAAF Air Warfare Centre and RMIT University yesterday launched the High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) Challenge.

The goal of the challenge is to encourage growth in Australia’s research and development capabilities with pseudo-satellites.

Pseudo-satellites are typically unmanned aerial vehicles that operate at high altitudes, relying on solar energy and winds to maintain long term flights. This allows them to provide long-term intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The challenge will be undertaken over three phases: concept, engineering and prototype development. The first submissions are due on 24 May.

Integration and Innovation Director Group Captain Tobyn Bearman at the Air Warfare Centre welcomed the commencement of the challenge.

“Work in this area seeks to enhance the quality and resilience of our high altitude capabilities by identifying creative solutions to difficult problems and pushing the boundaries of engineering knowledge,” he said.

“This challenge is an exciting way to contribute to Australia’s security and defence in new ways.”

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