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Projecte llegit

Títol: High Altitude Platforms: Regulatory assessments for modern airspace integration

Estudiants que han llegit aquest projecte:

Director/a: PONS PRATS, JORDI

Departament: FIS

Títol: High Altitude Platforms: Regulatory assessments for modern airspace integration

Data inici oferta: 23-11-2023     Data finalització oferta: 23-06-2024


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    GR ENG SIST AEROESP
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Paraules clau:
High-altitude platforms, communications, surveillance, air operations
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
The development of the Technology has enabled the deployment of high-altitude platforms (HAP) for general purposes, like Communications, internet or observation. A HAP is a flying platform which is able to take a payload up to 20 to 50 km high. They behave like a pseudo-satellite, almost like a geo-stationary satellite that keeps the position above the target area with a relative high precision at low cost and effort. These devices can keep the mission up to the skies for a long period. Usually they are planned for several weeks or even months.
The deployment of such devices arise several questions related to the type of available platforms, and their performance, missions, and general characteristics. On the other hand, it is also interesting to understand the legal and regulatory aspects of its deployment, establishing a comparison among countries and regions, as well as determining the limitations to be applied. Also considering what happens in case of international operations. Another important issue is the steps of their deployment and operations; regulations and procedures to follow. Are the upcoming legislations and regulations about drones applicable to this kind of devices and operations? Can these new regulations ease the steps and paperwork to be prepared?


Main points and workplan:
- State of the art about devices; type of crafts, performances, type of operations'
- Legal and regulatory aspects; balloon-like, drone-like, '
- Safety and regulatory aspects to plan an operation
- Test case: flying at Lleida Alguaire
- Test case 2: Flying at Moià
 
Overview (resum en anglès):
High Altitude Platforms (HAPs) are an emerging technology with a huge potential to transform key sectors such as telecommunications, earth observation, and security. These platforms operate at higher altitudes than conventional aircraft, bringing benefits such as extended coverage and greater operational flexibility. However, despite their potential, there exists a large uncertainty regarding the legal and regulatory frameworks that regulate their use. Much of the current regulation is based on the adaptation of legislation designed for other types of aircraft, such as drones and balloons, leading to significant legal gaps and implementation difficulties.
This project is motivated by the clear lack of a specific regulatory framework for HAPs, which has created obstacles to their safe integration into airspace. Consequently, the main objective of this study is to analyse the existing regulatory frameworks at the international, European, and national levels, identifying the gaps and inconsistencies that currently limit the deployment of HAPs. In addition, this thesis aims to provide a comprehensive guide describing the current requirements for performing HAP missions, ensuring airworthiness, and meeting airspace regulations.
The research begins with an exploration of the current state of HAP technology, looking at its historical evolution and different applications. After analysing the current regulatory landscape, focusing on a comparison of the regulations that apply to drones and balloons and assessing how they could be adapted to HAP, a comparative analysis of the international, European, and Spanish regulatory frameworks is carried out, highlighting not only the differences between them but also the need for a harmonised legislative framework. The absence of such a framework creates significant uncertainty for stakeholders in the industry, limiting the potential of HAPs to fully develop and contribute to these key sectors.
The thesis concludes that although there are promising signs of future progress such as ongoing European projects to harmonise airspace regulation, it is essential to develop a specific regulatory framework tailored to the unique characteristics and operational challenges of HAPs. It is suggested that possible future work should ideally be carried out by these regulatory bodies and should focus on improving current proposals and continue to align regulatory efforts at the international and national levels.

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