Autonomous Aircraft Driven by Renewable Energy    

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Odysseus is a solar-powered high-altitude and long-endurance autonomous aircraft, utilizing advanced solar cell technology and lightweight materials allowing it to remain on station indefinitely, according to compositesworld.com

The structure of the aircraft is made out of carbon fiber which is covered with PVF (polyvinyl fluoride film) for UV resistance.  The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was inspired by the 1988 Daedalus project, organized by Aurora’s CEO, John Langford and other colleagues from MIT.   

Odysseus’ platform is powered entirely by renewable, clean energy and the cost for its operation is a fraction than that of a satellite. According to Aurora, Odysseus can remain in station persistently, allowing for a wide range of applications ranging from climate and atmospheric research to connectivity and reconnaissance missions. It can measure vegetation, ice coverage and flow rates, and even ground moisture. It will also be able to track and measure the movement of severe weather events for weather and storm monitoring during peak seasons, according to shephardmedia.com. It boasts a greater year-round global operating zone and a larger payload among aircrafts of its class.  

Odysseus’ first flight is scheduled for the Spring of 2019.