High altitude drone company Stratodynamics has joined the HAPS Alliance consortium.
HAPS Alliance is an association of companies with an interest in High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) that includes telecommunications, technology, aviation and aerospace companies, as well as public and educational institutions.
As a member of the HAPS Alliance, Stratodynamics said it will partner with telecommunications, technology, aviation, and aerospace companies to accelerate commercial the adoption of HAPS and advocate for safety and regulatory standards.
Stratodynamics expects to launch a large version of their stratospheric glider known as the HiDRON Suborbital later this year. The clean sheet aircraft is designed for stratospheric flight and can carry a 6kg (13 lbs) payload in a 9U CubeSat form factor, 10 x 10 x 90cm (4 x 4 x 35in).
The company is also adding Australia to its list of launch locations which also includes the US and Canada.
CEO of Stratodynamics Gary Pundsack said, “The greatest innovations arise when a community engages to solve complex problems. Stratodynamics Aviation Inc. is pleased to join the HAPS Alliance as we pioneer high-altitude flight with efficient aircraft that minimize environmental impacts.”
Other HAPS Alliance members include Airbus, Softbank, Nokia, T-Mobile and several academic institutions.
