The stratospheric platform was launched this morning at 7:25 UTC from the Évora Aerodrome and recovered at 12:15 UTC, around 100 Km from the launch site.  The flight enabled the STRAPLEX team to validate the new transponder on board of the platform.

This high technology transponder, specifically designed for UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), sends standardized radio frequency pulses which are received by the National Air Traffic Control Authorities. During the flight this morning, the coordination with Lisbon's controllers went flawlessly as they could see the coordinates and altitude of STRAPLEX and confirming in real time with the telemetry data received by the ground segment team.

The air traffic controllers and airplane pilots are now able to see STRAPLEX in their radars, increasing the security levels in every STRAPLEX flight and allowing STRAPLEX, for instance, to fly heavier payloads.

 
A detailed report of the flight will come soon. Stay tuned!

7th-11th of April - Porto, Portugal

The Spie UP'08 is an international event that has as primary objective to promote Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the University of Porto. During this week, several workshops and conferences took place showing success cases, difficulties, opportunities and new trends. 

The STRAPLEX project was presented to a large audience by Marinho P. Duarte as one successful project, created by students, for students.

The Second STRAPLEX Grand Prix took place on the last 5th April, in the "KART CENTER de Matosinhos", in the outskirts of Porto, Portugal. This is the second time the STRAPLEX team members organize such an event and although this time the pilots were fewer, the challenge was kept high up.

In fact, Sergio Cunha managed to grab the 6th best time of the day and was the fastest of the team members. 

The second edition of the Science on Stage festival was held in Grenoble, France, from 2 to 6 April 2007. The event intended to promote the very best of today’s science education.

“Science on Stage” is organized by an International Steering Committee representing the seven members of the EIROforum and according to the official website, the festival program offers “teachers a unique opportunity to exchange teaching materials and ideas, through the combination of science teaching fair, on-stage activities and parallel sessions.”