Stratospheric Airship Platform | 07 May 2025

Source: PIB 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform at an altitude of around 17 km. 

• During the flight, data from onboard sensors was collected for the development of high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude flights. 
• It strengthens India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. 
• About Stratospheric Airship: It is an unmanned airship designed for high-altitude operations in the stratosphere, typically between 17 to 22 kilometers above Earth.  
  • It operates as a High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS), capable of remaining airborne for extended periods and utilizes helium for buoyancy. 
  • Unlike satellites or aircraft, it can stay over a specific area for extended periods, offering persistent surveillance and communication. 
• Project Loon, launched by Alphabet in 2011, used stratospheric balloons to provide internet in remote areas but was shut down in 2020 due to lack of commercial viability. 
• The stratosphere extends from the top of the troposphere up to about 50 km above sea level and contains the ozone layer, which plays a crucial role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation.