Stratospheric Lift-Off for India

India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of its stratospheric airship platform, reaching an altitude of approximately 17 km. The trial took place on May 3, 2025, at the Sheopur trial site in Madhya Pradesh. Developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) in Agra, the airship carried an instrumental payload during the 62-minute flight. Data collected from onboard sensors will aid in the development of high-fidelity simulation models for future high-altitude airship flights. The trial also involved the deployment of envelope pressure control and emergency deflation systems, which were evaluated for their performance.