Stratoship Takes Off

Stratoship has launched their first prototype, the SZ-155, as part of RMIT’s HAPS Challenge Phase 3. The HAPS Challenge is a joint effort between the Department of Defence (through the RAAF Plan Jericho and the Air Warfare Centre), Defence Artificial Intelligence, Trusted Autonomous Systems, SmartSat CRC and the RMIT’s Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence and Aerospace Centre.

The Stratoship SZ-155 prototype before launch.

The Stratoship was launched on the 12th of October and was initially successful, however had to be terminated due to airspace constraints. The system was recovered in full, and some minor damage consistent with landing impact was identified. The flight, while not reaching full altitude, provided rich learning outcomes for the future.

The media release for the HAPS Challenge can be accessed here, and the full article about Phase 3 of the HAPS Challenge can be read here.

The Stratoship SZ1-155 during an inflation test.