UAE successfully conducts first-ever HAPS flights

Abu Dhabi-based Mira Aerospace has successfully conducted a series of high-altitude platform station (HAPS) test flights in the UAE.

A joint venture between Bayanat and UAVOS, Mira Aerospace’s HAPS aircraft, equipped with advanced earth observation payloads, successfully operated at stratospheric altitudes for extended periods.

The flights, conducted over Abu Al Abyad Island, collected valuable data and tested various scenarios for earth observation and environmental monitoring applications.

HAPS flights to help collect key data

Hasan Al Hosani, MD of Bayanat and chairman of Mira Aerospace said: “These advancements are instrumental in our journey as Bayanat merges with Yahsat to become Space42,” he stated. “The HAPS flights enable us to gather comprehensive data, analyse it through our AI-powered gIQ platform, and commercialise it, propelling us closer to realising the UAE’s aerospace ambitions.”

Khaled Al Marzouqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, highlighted the UAE’s unwavering commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies. “The UAE’s focus on technological advancements will solidify its position as a leader in space innovation and data diversity,” he said. “This will support vital sectors such as environment, agriculture and energy.”

HAPS technology, recognised by the World Economic Forum as one of the top ten emerging technologies, offers a sustainable solution for continuous Earth surface monitoring. Mira Aerospace’s solar-powered, zero-carbon flights bridge the gap between satellites and terrestrial systems, providing high-resolution data for a variety of global challenges.

Additionally, the technology is poised to enhance communication services in uninhabited areas.

In other news, Bayanat and Yahsat recently launched the UAE’s first low earth orbit (LEO) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite.

The satellite blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard SpaceX’s Transporter 11. The launch, a collaboration with SAR specialist ICEYE, marks a major milestone in the UAE’s space ambitions.

Read: Bayanat, Yahsat launch UAE’s first low-orbit radar satellite