The Zephyr Innovation Programme (ZIP), led by Airbus Defence and Space in Farnborough, is developing a High Altitude Long Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) to provide remote sensing and internet connectivity in the developing world. The long term aim of the project is to bring connectivity to those living in places like Africa, South America, India and Indonesia
HAPS will be solar-powered, circling in the Earth’s stratosphere and capable of launching, landing and redeploying autonomously whilst delivering Earth observation and communication services.
The 27 month project will be funded by Aerospace Technology Institute and Innovate UK at a cost of £7.6million. Cranfield University will work on the battery control estimation algorithm, while Ricardo will undertake battery management system hardware development. The partners aim to make up to 500 aircraft per year by 2020.
By developing cells with a specific energy of 425Wh/kg, Oxis will help Zephyr HAPS to fly above any weather in the troposphere and to remain aloft for three months without needing to land.