Today, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and Aerostar announced a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between the two companies which led to successful joint Internal Research and Development (IRAD) stratospheric test flight.

The joint flight, which included an Aerostar Thunderhead Stratospheric Balloon system and a series of satellite communication (satcom) terminals, adapted for stratospheric operations on Aerostar’s high altitude balloon systems as well as Airbus’s high-altitude fixed wing platform Zephyr.

Prior to the test flight, a cross functional team of engineers from both companies modified the satcom terminals to reduce their weight and prepare them for the extreme environmental conditions associated with long-endurance operation in the stratosphere.

“Engineering teams from both companies have worked in a collaborative fashion over the past few months which, no-doubt, will allow both companies to profit from each other’s expertise on stratospheric operations and payload integration,” said Fabian Kluessendorf, Airbus U.S. UAS Engineering Director. “Having the ability to relay high fidelity ISR data such as full motion video from anywhere in the world at real time is a massive step towards mission readiness for the U.S. DoD and our allies. Performing these developments jointly also paved the ground for future joint operations that exploit the complimentary character of these two stratospheric assets.”

The test flight, launched Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, from Sioux Falls, S.D. and concluded Dec. 6, 2024, enabled testing of hardened communications systems suitable to support ISR sensor applications from the stratosphere. The combination of these systems enables near real-time communication and ensures operationally relevant information for critical decision-making.

“High Altitude Platforms, whether lighter-than-air or fixed-wing, offer unmatched persistent sensing and communications, sustaining operations over target areas for weeks to months. No other system can deliver comparable endurance, and at fraction of the cost of traditional assets.,” said Russ Van Der Werff, Aerostar Vice President of Stratospheric Solutions. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Airbus and maturing the state of the art for HAPs in defense applications.”

About Aerostar

With more than 65 years of lighter-than-air innovation and expertise and two million flight hours in the stratosphere, Aerostar is dedicated to connecting, protecting, and saving lives. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Aerostar provides world-leading solutions in the aerospace and defense market, focused on stratospheric balloon systems and radar solutions.  Learn more at www.aerostar.com

About Airbus U.S. Space & Defense

A long time U.S. government partner, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense leverages world-class satellite, laser communication, rotary and fixed wing solutions to help its National Security focused customers meet their missions. As a leader in the field of fixed-wing HAPS, Zephyr has achieved 64 days of endurance above 60,000 feet. Learn more at: https://airbusus.com