NewSpace to Design & Develop High Altitude Pseudo Satellites for Indian Navy

The Indian Navy has bolstered its maritime surveillance prowess by partnering with Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research & Technologies (NSRT) to develop indigenous High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS).

This landmark agreement, signed under the iDEX initiative, promotes India's vision of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) by reducing dependence on foreign technology and driving innovation in the nation's aerospace industry.

NSRT, known for its successful development of scaled HAPS prototypes, will play a pivotal role in this project. These prototypes, electric-motor-powered and capable of 7-day endurance, offer a glimpse of future HAPS capabilities.

The full-scale solar-powered HAPS will be significantly larger, with a maximum take-off weight of 450 kg, a 35 kg payload capacity, and an extraordinary 90-day endurance for long-term surveillance missions.

HAPS: A Game-Changer for Maritime Surveillance​

The integration of HAPS technology will transform the Indian Navy's surveillance operations by providing:

• Persistent ISR Operations: HAPS enable continuous, extended-duration monitoring of expansive maritime areas.
• Versatile Payload Hosting: These platforms can carry electro-optical, infrared, and even radar systems, providing a rich variety of data for comprehensive maritime awareness.
• Improved Communication: HAPS can act as communication relays, enhancing data transmission from deployed naval assets.

Building a "Future-Proof Navy"​

By embracing HAPS technology, the Indian Navy demonstrates its forward-thinking approach to safeguarding India's vast maritime interests. This indigenous system is a critical step towards creating a "Future-Proof Navy" and will bolster India's national security posture.

 

[Nidhin Joy]

Truly Indian navy is the branch that has fully embraced self- reliance. Happy to see them lead the way and hope IA learns from them.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Truly Indian navy is the branch that has fully embraced self- reliance. Happy to see them lead the way and hope IA learns from them.

I think current navy chief and navy should be rewarded with greater budget share in next budget and next CDS role from navy. This will enourage other services to go indigenous as well

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

No other country has an operational pseudo satellite system. Others are in research phase as well. India being at cutting edge of defence R&D makes me so happy

 

[GMR]

Really appreciate IN's foresightness. Its willingness & efficiency in accepting new technology, that too indegenious wherever available, makes it stand apart within the 3 defence arms. 👍👍

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

We need to nurture these ideas with adequate funds which could motivate other branches to follow suit.

 

[Sandeep]

The military should use the HAPS to keep surveillance over an area along the border or ocean for a very long time that normal drones are unable to do because they need to refuel after a number of hours. The HAPS can keep surveillance for months or it can carry different payloads and sensors to obtain SIGINT, EW, ESM, COMINT and more.

 

[Varaaah]

Can they withstand storm?

 

[Superpower Bharat]

Can they withstand storm?

It will fly above the storm