Ordnance Survey readies Astigan solar-powered aircraft for Earth observation
Astigan | February 13, 2019
Ordnance Survey is working with aeronautic engineers to develop Astigan, a solar powered, High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) that will fly at 67,000 ft to acquire images of the Earth. With a wingspan of 38m and weighing 149kg (including a payload of up to 25kg), the aircraft will be positioned to view any part of the Earth and collect data for 90 days at a time over wider areas compared to conventional aerial imagery capture. The aircraft will operate between 20–22km and fly a pre-determined route or remain above a specified position.