Italy is set to launch its first robotic balloon this week to assist biologists in addressing pollution issues and preserving the environment.
This balloon, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), will take to the skies tomorrow, September 29, carrying technical equipment designed to assess the quality of water and air. Soil composition will also be evaluated using an infrared camera mounted on the balloon.
“This advanced device will allow us to sample substances such as pure dust molecules, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide in the air,” said Ernesto Landi, president of the Italian National Biology Association. “It can also be used in emergency situations, for example, to analyze toxic clouds following industrial incidents.”
The balloon is controlled by a central computer and can transmit data to ground control stations instantly. It operates quietly and does not pollute the environment thanks to its use of two electric motors. These motors also enable it to hover at any altitude without disturbing the surrounding air.
One of the most significant features of this balloon is its ability to ascend and descend through different altitudes without causing air turbulence, thereby maintaining the accuracy of analyses.
This 12-meter-long balloon is Italy’s first robotic balloon not intended for military purposes. According to the manufacturers, its applications are quite broad: monitoring forests and natural parks, assessing air pollution levels, and studying areas affected by natural and human-made disasters.
T.VY (According to ANSA.it)
