HAP-alpha
In April 2022, the HAP-alpha project was launched as a continuation of the HAP project. Led by the Institute of Flight Systems, this project will develop and build a high-flying platform to carry payloads to 20km above the Earth's surface. While the PBA department provides AI-based methods for image optimization and analysis for the optical payload MACS-HAP, the SAR department develops methods for distinguishing sea ice types for the payload HAPSAR. Currently, the procedures are being further developed, trained and tested using satellite data and aerial imagery. Finally, at the end of the project, the procedures will be both implemented onboard for real-time use and made available for further evaluation on the ground.
Simulated image of DLR's High Altitude Platform (HAP) as it is planned to fly at 20km altitude at the end of the project in 2024.