Kea Aerospace has just launched New Zealand’s first solar-powered electric, stratospheric aircraft called the Kea Atmos Mk1, and it’s taking climate change research to new heights. This innovative aircraft is designed to collect high-resolution aerial data, which can be used to monitor weather patterns, tree health, pollution, and much more. Kea Aerospace has been building and testing electric-powered aircraft for several years, and the Kea Atmos Mk1 is the culmination of their efforts to improve life on Earth.
The Kea Atmos Mk1 is an uncrewed aircraft that boasts a 12.5-meter wingspan, can fly higher than most commercial airliners, and weighs less than 90 lbs (40 kg). With a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet, this aircraft operates above the weather and jet stream, giving researchers the complete picture they need to monitor the land, waterways, and coastline for protection purposes.
The solar-powered aircraft is the perfect tool for climate change research, as it produces zero emissions. Future versions of the Kea Atmos will unlock higher altitudes, allowing for continuous flight for months at a time. Kea Aerospace is currently developing the long-flight endurance Kea Atmos Mk2, which will have a wingspan of approximately 30 meters and can operate at an altitude of 65,000 feet.
The Kea Atmos Mk1 is designed to take over 20 times better images than satellites with a similar camera, making it a powerful tool for detecting pollution on land and in the water, monitoring vast forest areas and tree health, enabling rapid response and preparation for extreme weather events, developing smart cities with better traffic flow and green spaces, reducing water and fertilizer usage with precise agricultural tools, and monitoring maritime areas to spot illegal fishing boats and vessels.
Kea Aerospace has been testing electric prototypes for several years and has achieved significant milestones in the past year, including a 14-hour non-stop flight with its X1 prototype and a 36-hour flight with its X10 prototype. The company’s CEO says it’s been an “exhilarating year” and that they’ve showcased their technology to several NASA executives.
The Kea Atmos Mk1 was launched using an Audi e-tron S Sportback, demonstrating the potential for collaboration between electric vehicle and aerospace industries. Kea Aerospace’s solar-powered aircraft is a significant step forward in climate change research, and the company’s efforts to improve life on Earth are sure to have a positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
