Initial Test Flights of the DLR HAPSAR Instrument

Abstract

Based on evolving challenges and new technology opportunities, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is actively pursuing a stratospheric aircraft called the High-Altitude Platform (HAP). Such a platform could continuously monitor a region at heights of 15 to 25 km for extended periods, enabling uses in climate science and security. To reach this objective, several remote sensing instruments must be developed, adapted to the environmental and operational conditions of a HAP. In its fundamental setup, the system comprises a high-resolution optical sensor (MACS) and a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system named HAPSAR. The present work shares initial flight data obtained from a test installation on a light aircraft.