The first flight of the Barrage-1 unmanned stratospheric platform took place in Russia. This was reported by the Foundation for Advanced Research.
A special feature of the unmanned stratospheric platform is the pneumatic ballasting system, which changes the flight altitude to use wind currents and move in the desired direction. This allows the platform to maneuver and stay in a given area or move along a trajectory required for the payload.
The development is being considered as an alternative to expensive satellite constellations, capable of operating at altitudes up to 20 km. One of the priority tasks of Barrage-1 is to test the 5G NTN communication standard. The platform's payload capacity is up to 100 kg.
Barrage-1 is created mainly from domestic components, including film materials for the supporting structure. In the future, they will allow for multi-week flights in the stratosphere.
The Barrage-1 project is being conducted by Aerodrommash in collaboration with Bauman Moscow State Technical University. Further production is planned.