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QIMINGXING 50

8th September, 2022 EXTRA TOPIC OF THE DAY

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In News

  • ‘QIMINGXING 50’ is China’s first fully solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has successfully completed its maiden test flight.
    • It is the first large-sized UAV powered only by solar energy.
  • According to Chinese media reports, the drone took a smooth flight for 26 minutes and landed safely.
  • It is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV that can stay airborne for long durations.
  • The drone flies above 20-km altitude where there is stable airflow with no clouds. This helps the drones to make maximum use of solar equipment to stay functional for extended durations.
  • The drone can operate from 20 km to 100 km above the Earth’s surface; this makes it capable of carrying out satellite-like functions.
    • These drones are also called ‘High Altitude Platform Stations’ or pseudo-satellites.
  • These drones can undertake surveillance missions that require them to stay operational, watching over borders or oceans, for months.
  • These Drones are cost-effective to build and are also easy to launch and operate.

 

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/china-fully-solar-powered-semi-satellite-drone-explained-8137035/

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