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Airbus U.S. Space and Defense and Aerostar successfully completed a joint Internal Research and Development (IRAD) stratospheric test flight as part of their Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The test demonstrated the use of satellite backhaul technologies on high-altitude platforms for enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The mi by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 17, 2024
Airbus U.S. Space and Defense and Aerostar successfully completed a joint Internal Research and Development (IRAD) stratospheric test flight as part of their Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). The test demonstrated the use of satellite backhaul technologies on high-altitude platforms for enhanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
The mission featured Aerostar's Thunderhead Stratospheric Balloon system equipped with modified satellite communication (satcom) terminals adapted for stratospheric operations. Airbus contributed its high-altitude, fixed-wing Zephyr platform, enhancing collaboration between the two technologies.
Engineers from both companies worked together to optimize the satcom terminals, reducing their weight and fortifying them against extreme stratospheric conditions. These modifications were crucial for achieving long-duration ISR operations in the upper atmosphere.
"Engineering teams from both companies have worked in a collaborative fashion over the past few months which, no-doubt, will allow both companies to profit from each other's expertise on stratospheric operations and payload integration," said Fabian Kluessendorf, Airbus U.S. UAS Engineering Director. "Having the ability to relay high fidelity ISR data such as full motion video from anywhere in the world at real time is a massive step towards mission readiness for the U.S. DoD and our allies. Performing these developments jointly also paved the ground for future joint operations that exploit the complimentary character of these two stratospheric assets."
The test flight, which commenced on November 8, 2024, from Sioux Falls, S.D., and concluded on December 6, 2024, validated the reliability of hardened communication systems under prolonged environmental stress. The stratospheric platforms successfully demonstrated their ability to support ISR sensors, ensuring near real-time communication and delivering critical operational information.
"High Altitude Platforms, whether lighter-than-air or fixed-wing, offer unmatched persistent sensing and communications, sustaining operations over target areas for weeks to months. No other system can deliver comparable endurance, and at fraction of the cost of traditional assets.," said Russ Van Der Werff, Aerostar Vice President of Stratospheric Solutions. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Airbus and maturing the state of the art for HAPs in defense applications."
The joint success highlights the role of high-altitude platforms in providing long-endurance ISR capabilities at lower costs compared to conventional technologies, further strengthening operational readiness and decision-making processes for defense and allied partners.
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