Mira Aerospace Completes Europe’s First Civilian HAPS Flight
Mira Aerospace has completed Europe’s first high-altitude platform systems flight conducted under civilian operational approval, marking a milestone for stratospheric aviation and real-time environmental intelligence. The flight took place using the ApusNeo18 platform and highlights the growing role of HAPS in emergency response and geospatial monitoring.
Europe’s First Civilian-Approved HAPS Mission
Following regulatory clearance, Mira Aerospace carried out the inaugural approved HAPS flight in European airspace. The operation demonstrated how stratospheric platforms can safely integrate into civilian airspace while delivering continuous, real-time data. Moreover, the mission validated HAPS as a viable alternative to satellites for time-sensitive intelligence needs, particularly where responsiveness and flexibility matter most.
Advancing Wildfire Monitoring Capabilities
As part of Spain’s wildfire response initiatives, the flight supports the ISSEC programme focused on strengthening national emergency infrastructure. Consequently, the platform transmitted high-resolution electro-optical and infrared imagery in real time. This capability enables faster situational awareness while also supporting improved planning for wildfire prevention, containment, and recovery. Additionally, HAPS combine long-endurance persistence with aircraft-like maneuverability at lower operational costs, making them suitable for civil protection missions.
Flight Operations and Next Phases
The ApusNeo18 aircraft launched from the Fuerteventura Technology Park, Europe’s first dedicated spaceport facility. Initially, the aircraft climbed to 2,000 feet; however, subsequent flights will gradually increase altitude to 16,000 feet. Meanwhile, mission duration will also expand, with future operations expected to last up to 48 hours. As data collection continues, these flights will help define the long-term operational value of HAPS for environmental monitoring and emergency management across Europe.
