Request for Information HAPS HALE

UxS Operations Center Request for Information (RFI)

High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) / High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS)

1.0 Introduction & Purpose The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Uncrewed Systems Operations Center (UxSOC) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for deployment on a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) and High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). The objective is to evaluate how these stratospheric platforms can address NOAA’s observational user needs across multiple observation domains and missions. This UAS platform is capable of achieving long duration missions (+30 days) with multiple scientific payloads.

2.0 Core Platform Requirements Prospective platforms must demonstrate capabilities to operate safely and persistently in the stratosphere while accommodating dynamic payload suites. Operating Altitude: The platform must be capable of sustained flight above active weather systems and commercial airspace, with a minimum operational floor of 40,000 feet. Vendors are requested to specify their platform's maximum certified altitude ceiling and nominal cruising altitude. The ability to perform vertical profiling (controlled altitude descents and ascents) for in-situ atmospheric point sampling is highly desired. Endurance: Missions require continuous, persistent flight ranging from 30 to 60 days, with an ultimate target of 3 to 4 months of uninterrupted operation. Geographic & Latitudinal Reach: Platforms must be capable of deployment across diverse geographic zones, including the tropics, mid-latitudes (15–60° N), extreme high latitudes (above 70° N), and broad oceanic basins (Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean). Telemetry & Command: Real-time telemetry is critical for instant, secure access to data during flight. The system must support command uplinks to monitor instrument performance and adjust remote operational parameters during long-duration deployments.

3.0 Data Collection Domains, Payload SWaP, and Gap Alignment NOAA intends to integrate specialized scientific payloads to address critical observational gaps. Vendors should detail their platform's ability to support the following Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints aligned with specific agency gaps: Data Collection Domain
Representative Payload
Estimated SWaP Requirements
Associated Observational Data Gap
Biological, Ecological, & Coastal Imagery