About us

IRSPS has a very strong expertise in RTD management and specific expertise in space missions planning, testing of systems and subsystems in analogue terrains, landing and surface mobility. IRSPS has already been involved in various feasibility study of instruments, prepared missions such as MarsExpress, ExoMars and Mars Sample Returns. Furthermore, IRSPS holds experience and expertise in radar and drone analysis and, in particular, in radar data analysis of the Martian surface.

Hyperion is a highly performing SME with a pre-existing background in drones instrumentation design and development; while CORISTA holds relevant experience and expertise in radar development and test systems.

A large number of synergies occur among the partners, who have a long history of collaborations. The main background platform is the utilisation of Earth as analogue for the planetary bodies. UBCL, CBK PAN, CSFK have collaborated with UdA and IRSPS a large number of times in studying Mars analogues areas on Earth.

UBCL has a great experience in Earth observation from orbit and from drone that can be applied to the investigation. Ud’A has also started the study of Mars analogue environments in Europe organising a Conference Series on terrestrial Mars analogues.

CBK PAN bears to the project a deep knowledge about subsurface geology and geophysics. This solid experience is also matched by a remarkable involvement with instruments to collect quantitative data. Their approach has been tested during two expeditions organised by Europlanet RI in Afar (Ethiopia), whereas UCBL and CSFK have worked with IRSPS and UdA in Morocco (in most case under the Europlanet umbrella).

These linkages have created a virtuous cycle involving the generation of innovative technologies applied to the investigations of novel scientific subjects.

Within FlyRadar, the basic idea is to create a technological synergy of UAVs and radar. Radar provides extremely interesting data both on our Earth and on Solar System bodies. Unfortunately, radar is bulky, power-hungry, and with cumbersome antenna. The development in Lyon (by HYPERION and UCBL) of the UAVs has clearly indicated a way to save mass, volume and power on light-weight drone with electrical engines.

The prototype of FlyRadar has been extensively tested in Morocco together by CORISTA and IRSPS srl.

The partnership among Fly-Radar participants has created an innovative project based on a strong background and a future vison.

FlyRadar will develop an easy and transportable radar, providing the opportunity to the scientific and technological community to investigate many areas and subjects that are currently not suitable because of logistic and costs issues. At the same time, with the future use of drones for the surface investigation of the planetary bodies, FlyRadar will give scientists the opportunity to get unprecedented radar data.