In a remarkable development this week, Radical, a startup based in Seattle, announced the successful testing of its innovative solar-powered drone named “Evenstar.” This drone features an impressive wingspan of 120 feet, surpassing that of a Boeing 737, while weighing a mere 240 pounds. This design aims to capitalize on the potential for long-term airborne operations in the stratosphere.
The concept of lightweight, solar-powered drones initially garnered significant attention in the mid-2010s when major tech companies like Meta and Google attempted to deploy similar technologies for providing internet connectivity in remote regions. However, both companies withdrew from the field after facing challenges, including Google”s “Titan” prototype, which crashed shortly after takeoff.
Nearly a decade later, Radical is attempting to revive this vision. The company believes that its lightweight drone could operate autonomously in the stratosphere for extended periods, which could be beneficial for applications such as weather monitoring, mobile internet services, and aerial surveillance. However, the path to achieving operational status remains ahead, as the recent tests have been limited to low altitudes and modest speeds of just over 15 miles per hour.
A spokesperson for Radical stated, “Our goal is to make stratospheric flight as routine as satellite operations, but faster, cheaper, and at higher resolutions,” indicating the company”s ambitious objectives for the future of drone technology.
Understanding “StratoSats”
The Evenstar is a prime example of what Radical refers to as “StratoSats,” which are lightweight devices designed to provide consistent, high-performance infrastructure in the stratosphere. These drones harness solar energy through panels on their wings, enabling them to remain airborne for weeks or even months. Unlike conventional satellites that must maintain their orbits, StratoSats can descend to replace onboard equipment when necessary.
Specifically, the Evenstar can carry a payload of 33 pounds with full autonomous capabilities, making it well-suited for transporting sensors, cameras, or telecommunication devices. The recent flight test in Tillamook, Oregon, demonstrated the drone”s core systems and was conducted autonomously, although a human pilot was available for potential intervention.
Future Aspirations for Evenstar
During the flight, which was not powered by solar energy but by a battery, Radical gathered valuable data to refine its design. The spokesperson explained that the test flight was crucial for validating the airframe, AI controller, telemetry, and communication systems before engaging in higher altitude tests scheduled for next year.
Radical is positioning the Evenstar as a versatile solution to bridge the gaps left by traditional satellites, drones, and aircraft. Current satellites offer either extensive coverage or high-resolution images, but not both simultaneously, and they are costly to launch. Conventional drones face limitations with flight duration and operational costs, which Radical aims to overcome.
James Thomas, the CEO of Radical, expressed the company”s vision by stating, “It has never made sense to accept a snapshot once every 90 minutes as our view of the world,” highlighting the need for improved observational capabilities.
While Radical has aspirations for the Evenstar to assist in wildfire monitoring and to provide 5G connectivity to underserved areas, the company also hints at potential military applications, although details remain unclear.
In a competitive landscape, other companies are exploring similar technologies. Notably, Airbus has developed an even lighter solar-powered drone, the Zephyr, which has successfully spent 26 consecutive days in the stratosphere. Meanwhile, the U.S. startup Skydweller is working on a solar-powered drone capable of carrying larger payloads.
As Radical forges ahead with its ambitious plans, its small team of six employees is focused on a clear mission: “Get there, stay there,” according to Thomas.
