Solar-Powered UAV to Replace Satellites

(photo supplied by Titan Aerospace)

Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane… No, it’s a solar-powered UAV!

With less national funding going towards space exploration, companies like Titan Aerospace have been thinking outside the box in an attempt to reduce costly space missions.

Presenting the Solara 50 from Titan Aerospace. This solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has a projected cost of less than $10 million, which is a lot cheaper, retrievable alternative to conventional satellites.

Reaching an altitude of 65,000 feet, with its 50 metre long wings covered in solar panels, the Solara 50 can stay in the air for up to five years without landing for maintenance. It has enough solar panels to capture light during the day and function all night.

The solar-powered atmospheric satellite could have many functions as explained by Titan Aerospace VP Stephen “Ron” Olsen, “”One of these [UAVs] at 10 miles can replace 100 cell [phone] towers.” Other functions could include; mapping fires, tracking wildlife and patrolling the U.S.–Mexico border.

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