FlyRadar · Low-frequency multi-mode (SAR and penetrating) radar onboard light-weight UAV for Earth and Planetary exploration

Low-frequency multi-mode (SAR and penetrating) radar onboard light-weight UAV for Earth and Planetary exploration

The EU-funded FlyRadar project has successfully developed and validated a low-frequency radar system integrated onboard a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This innovative platform was conceived to serve both planetary exploration and terrestrial applications, bridging scientific research and industrial needs. Scientific, technical and business-oriented objectives achieved: - The consortium fused and jointly applied its comparative expertise on radar data, advancing knowledge of Martian and terrestrial analogues and supporting the design of the instrument. - Cross-sector collaboration between academia, SMEs, and research institutions enabled the design, integration, and optimization of a functional UAV–radar prototype. - The prototype was validated and adapted in a series of analogue field campaigns in France, which confirmed its performance in realistic conditions and its potential for future applications. - The consortium jointly explored the economic feasibility of the instrument, identifying exploitation opportunities for both space and non-space markets (civil engineering, environmental monitoring, cultural heritage, resource prospecting). Training and mobility objectives achieved: - Innovation was pushed forward by establishing a dynamic research and training network that carried out numerous secondments, joint workshops, and knowledge-sharing events. - Researchers and professionals had the opportunity to go beyond the state-of-the-art in geology and instrumentation for surface and subsurface analyses, with hands-on experience in radar integration, data handling, and UAV operations. - Early-career researchers were strongly supported: the project contributed to the successful completion of two PhD theses and the recruitment of young secondees into doctoral programs at UCBL (France) and CBK PAN (Poland). - Complementary and market-oriented skills were built through dedicated training, stakeholder engagement, and outreach, equipping European researchers and professionals to meet emerging scientific and industrial challenges. In conclusion, FlyRadar delivered a validated UAV-based radar prototype, demonstrated its scientific and technical value in analogue environments, and fostered strong interdisciplinary collaboration. The project generated significant impact in planetary science, geophysical exploration, and industrial applications, while training the next generation of researchers and enhancing Europe’s innovation capacity in UAV and radar technologies.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз