In the near future, high-altitude platforms could extend application fields presently covered by satellites and are therefore often named HAPS, which stands for high-altitude pseudo satellites. Possible applications range from establishing communication networks to long-term recording of weather and environmental data. The DLR Flying Robots group is working in close cooperation with Elektra Solar GmbH and SolarXplorers SA (Solarstratos project) on highly efficient drives, avionics components, as well as payloads and autonomy functionalities for autonomous and optionally piloted solar high-altitude platforms and missions. In the scope of the Solarstratos project, the maiden flight has taken place in May 2017 (link to press release).
