Spain's First Unmanned Solar Plane

Students of Terrassa School of Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (ETSEIAT) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech (UPC) have together designed Spain's first unmanned solar plane – the Solar Endeavour UPC, using a technology developed by them. 
 

The students, Joaquim Creus Prats, Josep Fernández Coll, Carles Felip Aragón, Marta Marimon Mateu, Arnau Pons Lorente, IgnacioPedrosa Lojo, and Xavier Serena Alòs formed the ETSEIAT Trencalòs team.

Solar cells are fixed on to the wings and tail of solar planes. The cells had to be adapted to fit onto the wing’s curved, aerodynamic surface. The monocrystalline silicon used for making solar cells is extremely fragile and tends to break. The cells are normally 0.2 mm thick and the Spanish team built a panel, which along with the protective coating had a total thickness less than 1 mm.

CATUAV provided remote control and telemetry systems, which included GPS navigation, flight-assistance instrumentation and a video camera that provided real-time data to the control station on the ground.

The Solar Endeavour UPC has a cruising speed of 58 km/h with a speed of 90 km/h. It weighs 11.3 kg and has a length of 1.8 m and a wingspan of 5 m. The plane has five batteries that have a capacity of 40 Ah and weigh 2.5 kg. The average motor consumption is 11 A. The motor has a maximum power of 500 W and a cruising motor power of 127 W.

The solar plane flew continuously for 5 h 48 min at the Sedis aero club located in Seu d'Urgell. The solar panels provide over 50% of the power required during peak sunlight hours, while the batteries can supply the power when there is no sunlight source.

• Solar planes enhance the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

• They can fly over the desired areas for days together. 

• They can be used for scientific missions, communications in isolated areas, traffic control and prevention of forest fires. 

The ETSEIAT Trencalòs project demonstrates the potential of solar planes for civilian applications.

By Cameron Chai
Source: http://www.upc.edu/

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Stars in their Eyes: 

Space Science one of the most fascinating and exiting subjects of the 21st century - have a pretty good working life.

Why come to the UK to study Space Science?
Studying in the UK is very different from studying in India, according for a start, there is a lot more focus on independent learning. Lot of projects work, and being able to write well is a definite advantage and London is very student-friendly with discounts all over the place. And if you get a part-time job, which is easy to do, it makes things much more manageable.

Different Types of Visa Applications:
There are different types of visa, such as student (or child) visitor visas, or Tier 4 visas for international students for more than six months. You can check if you need one, which type you need, and how the latest requirement affect on the UK Border Agency's visa pages www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa. Here's an Overview of some of the most important developments.

Getting Permission to come to the UK
STEP1: Work out if you need a visa
Students from the European Economic Area, Switzerland and certain other countries do not need visas to study in the UK.
STEP2: Find out which visa you need
You will need a Tier 4 student visa unless you are: under 17; coming to the UK for a course that lasts less than six months; or coming for an English language course that last less than 11 months.
STEP3: Check that you are eligible
To quality for a Tier 4 (General) visa, you must have a confirmation of acceptance for studies for an approved course at a licensed institution, enough money for your fees and living costs, and valid supporting documents.

Applying for your visa
STEP4: Provide your Biometric data
You will have to provide a 10-digit finger scan and a digital photograph
STEP5: Complete your application forms
This will be the VAF9-PBS Migrant form and either Appendix B or 9 (for child students)
STEP6: Submit your application
Depending on which country you come from, you may need to submit your application in person at a visa application center or online
STEP7: Pay your application
The online application fee is currently 225. Check the UKBA website for updates
STEP8: Get your visa
It may take several weeks for your visa to come through
STEP9: Check it carefully
Make sure that the information is correct and tel your visa application centre if there are any errors
STEP10: Travel to the UK
Make sure you come on or after your visa's valid from date

Living in the UK
STEP11: Attend your courses
Your institution will let the UK Border Agency know if you don't seem to be sticking to the ters of your visa
STEP12: Know your limits
Depending on your country and course, you may be allowed to travel to the other European countries and do a certain amount of paid work during your studies - Its, important to stick to these rules.

Advice from International Student Jingsi Li
1. Make sure you have the right amount of money in your bank account
2. Make sure your institution sends you a confirmation of acceptance for studies.
3. Get a lot of people to check the English version of your document, even if they have been translated professionally. The quality of language could affect your chances of getting a visa

What next?
You can get help and guidance from organisations such as the UK Council for International Student Affairs and your local British Council office and check the UK Border Agency website if you are unsure.
Always check the UKBA website www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for the latest visa updates before you apply