Ordnance Survey readies Astigan solar-powered aircraft for Earth observation

With a wingspan of 38m and weighing 149kg (including a payload of up to 25kg), the aircraft will be positioned to view any part of the Earth and collect data for 90 days at a time over wider areas compared to conventional aerial imagery capture. The aircraft will operate between 20–22km and fly a pre-determined route or remain above a specified position.

“The UK has a particularly successful track record in mapping and associated technology,” said business minister Lord Henley. “As well as having the potential to support key government objectives such as upgrading the UK’s infrastructure, it could benefit emerging technological areas such as smart cities and self-driving vehicles which both rely on accurate 3D mapping.”

Astigan Ltd was established in 2014 by Ordnance Survey and private investors to develop and commercialise Britain’s first commercial sub-orbital Earth Observation HAPS.

Ordnance Survey said that when it comes into production Astigan will have the potential to work alongside existing mapping capabilities to improve the speed, accuracy and cost involved in aerial mapping.