Royal interest in high flying Southampton research
HRH the Duke of Edinburgh inspected the University of Southampton’s atmospheric research aircraft when he officially opened Prince Philip House, the newly renovated conference centre of the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) in London.
Lecturer Dr András Sóbester, an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council/Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow, colleague Dr Steven Johnston and PhD student Chris Paulson displayed the work of the ASTRA project at the event.
"Perhaps because he was a pilot himself, His Royal Highness was interested in our unmanned aircraft and asked how it worked," explains András. "It was an excellent opportunity to explain our research to him and other RAEng senior fellows. Frequently, people we speak to at these events are enthusiastic about our project and want to know more." Former University of Southampton Chancellor Sir John Parker, who is President of the RAEng, also paid a visit to the ASTRA stand.
Project ASTRA, (Atmospheric Science Through Robotic Aircraft) involves the development of lightweight, balloon-launched unmanned gliders and other stratospheric platforms that can take scientific measurements at heights up to 35 km. Researchers believe using light, unmanned aircraft, can make such studies at high altitudes more affordable. Observations can also be carried out in highly polluted environments such as volcanic ash clouds or in extreme weather conditions.
