Zephyr, the solar-powered, unmanned aircraft, spent 18 days in the stratosphere during a test flight. Photo: Airbus
Zephyr, the solar-powered, unmanned aircraft, spent 18 days in the stratosphere during a test flight. Photo: Airbus
Zephyr, the solar-powered, unmanned aircraft, spent 18 days in the stratosphere during a test flight. Photo: Airbus
Zephyr, the solar-powered, unmanned aircraft, spent 18 days in the stratosphere during a test flight. Photo: Airbus

Solar-powered Airbus Zephyr completes 18-day test flight


Laura O'Callaghan
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A solar-powered aircraft has completed an 18-day test flight offering hope it could be used to create internet access for billions of unconnected people around the world.

Airbus sent its Zephyr, which resembles an unmanned glider but with two small propellers, into the stratosphere where it flew higher than planes but lower than satellites.

The Zephyr is more environmentally friendly than a satellite as it runs on solar power. It is also cheaper to operate, easier to control and can be landed and adapted for different missions.

The test flight touched down in Arizona on September 13.

Jana Rosenmann, head of unmanned aerial systems at Airbus, said there are hopes the aircraft can in the future remain airborne for “periods of months, up to six months”.

“Our batteries are really performing extremely well. I think we’re confident right now about [reaching] three months and I would say that going for six months on this air vehicle would not be a problem,” she said.

Ms Rosenmann said the Zephyr could open up the internet for people in areas with a lack of connectivity.

“I think it’s got huge potential to reach people that traditionally you’re not going to reach with fibre [broadband],” she said.

“There isn’t really a limit to reaching the unconnected population today, which is a vast community.”

Airbus Zephyr Solar High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) reaches new heights in its successful 2021 summer test flights. Photo: Airbus
Airbus Zephyr Solar High Altitude Platform System (HAPS) reaches new heights in its successful 2021 summer test flights. Photo: Airbus

Unicef data from 2020 shows two thirds of schoolchildren around the world, around 1.3 billion people, do not have an internet connection in their home.

This is preventing them from competing in the modern economy and isolating them from the rest of the world, Unicef said.

The Zephyr can also be used for military purposes and the second of two flights was completed for the UK’s Ministry of Defence.

The company is pitching it for use in disaster zones and other areas where real-time information is needed.

Airbus has already run its first test flights in civilian airspace, clocking up a total of 36 days in the air across only two flights.

Airbus said it hopes to be able to fly the Zephyr for up to six months at a time. Photo: Airbus
Airbus said it hopes to be able to fly the Zephyr for up to six months at a time. Photo: Airbus
Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press

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The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Breast cancer in men: the facts

1) Breast cancer is men is rare but can develop rapidly. It usually occurs in those over the ages of 60, but can occasionally affect younger men.

2) Symptoms can include a lump, discharge, swollen glands or a rash. 

3) People with a history of cancer in the family can be more susceptible. 

4) Treatments include surgery and chemotherapy but early diagnosis is the key. 

5) Anyone concerned is urged to contact their doctor

 

Updated: November 22, 2021, 9:06 AM