NewSpace – India Tests Long-Range Drone Control with Encrypted Satellite Comm

This mission showcased how drone swarms can communicate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using a network that includes:

• Drone swarm: A group of drones working together.
• Satellite communication (SatCom): A method for transmitting data via satellites.
• Remote ground control station (GCS): The location from which the drone swarm is controlled.

Mission Details

• Location: Ladakh, India (at an altitude of 4200 meters).
• Control Center: NRT HQ in Bengaluru, India (more than 3000 km away).
• Communication: Seamless communication throughout the mission, including real-time data (telemetry) and information from the drone’s sensors (payload data).
• Latency: The network experienced minimal delays.

Benefits of BVLOS Connectivity

• Remote Operations: This technology allows for drone swarm operations beyond the visual range of the operator.
• Improved Mission Resilience: BVLOS connectivity enables drone missions to continue even in situations where communication might be disrupted.
• Contested Environments: Drone swarms can operate in areas where traditional communication methods might be unreliable.
• Multiple Users: Several users in different locations can benefit from this technology.
• Faster Response Times: Encrypted satellite communication links can significantly reduce the time it takes to react to a situation (OODA loop closure).

Overall Impact

This mission demonstrates the potential of BVLOS connectivity for drone swarms, supporting NRT’s Next Generation Missions & Technologies (NGMT) initiative.