GalaxEye CEO Suyash Singh announced that the company has tested its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology on a subscale high altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

Galaxeye has successfully tested its all-weather, all-time prolonged aerial surveillance technology, which could enhance India’s defence capabilities. 

The technology was tested on a subscale high altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).

High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) operate like high-flying drones in the stratosphere, providing extended aerial surveillance using solar energy and advanced battery systems.

This technology allows for all-weather, all-time imaging, overcoming the challenge of cloud cover that restricts traditional electro-optical cameras.

The SAR technology has implications for defence operations, environmental monitoring, and disaster management. 

While initial tests are promising, further testing will be necessary before practical applications can be deployed.

HAPS, which operate at an altitude of 18 to 20 km, can provide improved surveillance and monitoring capabilities for extended durations, making them suitable for national security, defence, and disaster management purposes.

The SAR technology offers similar capabilities to satellite-based SAR but at a reduced cost. It also has potential applications for monitoring agriculture, economic activities, and disasters for domestic purposes.

The electric platform has an endurance of two to three hours and stays in the same place for seven days, utilizing solar power during the day and requiring a compact payload.