Blog
SPOTLIGHT Newsletter: April 2018
AUVSI Xponential - All Things Unmanned This month Alta Devices will be attending Xponential in Denver, Colorado. We will be exhibiting a solar UAV, solar wing segments and other examples of our solar technology. Our team is looking forward to meeting you at the show! On [...]
Integrating Solar Into Your UAV
How Do I Integrate Solar Into A UAV? Integrating solar will provide additional power to a UAV that can be used to extend range or carry additional payload. Integration can be as easy or complex as you want it to be, depending on the time and materials you have available. [...]
Alta Devices Wins Innovation Award – 53rd Annual Murphy Award
Over the weekend, Alta Devices was presented with an award by the Sunnyvale Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce for Outstanding Innovation in Solar Cell Technology. This year is the 53rd year of the annual Chamber of Commerce Murphy Awards. The awards recognize business and community accomplishments in technology, innovation and [...]
SPOTLIGHT Newsletter: February 2018
Space Solar cells are a necessity for power in space. Alta Devices lightweight, thin, flexible, gallium arsenide solar cells are matrixed together to form high-efficiency solar arrays that maximize power while minimizing cost and launch weight. Can You 3D Print Metal Parts in Space? Of [...]
Small Satellites – Key Terms You Should Know
Small satellites have disrupted the landscape of space exploration. Compared with traditional large satellites, they offer lower cost, quicker, more frequent and broader access to space. Most are used for earth observation but others are used for communications, meteorology, research and insurance. The small satellite market is booming and recent [...]
UAV 101
New entrants to the commercial UAV or drone industry are often confused by the vast number of acronyms they encounter. To assist we have developed this helpful glossary of some of the most important terms: We’ve separated it into a few sections for readability; Types of UAVs, Components/Systems, Operating Modes [...]
SPOTLIGHT Newsletter: November 2017
Is Solar a Game-Changer for UAV Flight Time? The Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) market has grown rapidly in recent years, in both military and commercial markets. For small, unmanned systems, increased endurance means less risk of damage to the aircraft and the ability to cover more ground. [...]
Alta Devices Excels in Naval Research Lab Solar UAV Shootout
The main limitation currently facing the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market is the short flight time of these aircraft- that’s where Alta Devices comes in. Alta solar cells offer a way to capture energy while flying without compromising the weight, size, or maneuverability of an aircraft. Researchers at the U.S. Naval [...]
Why Use Gallium Arsenide Solar Cells?
Alta Devices uses Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) as the basis for our solar technology. It’s a lesser known material so we wanted to share some key information here: What is Gallium Arsenide? Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) is a semiconductor material and a compound of Gallium and Arsenic (interconnected cubic lattices). Traditionally [...]
Alta Devices and Audi: Defining the Solar Car of the Future
Alta Devices is excited to announce that we are working with Audi to integrate solar into the roofs of Audi cars. This is the first time Audi has used Alta Devices solar in its vehicles. Audi is one of the most successful premium auto brands and also has Lamborghini and [...]
Disruption in Space
The space market is currently experiencing disruption. New technology, new players, new business models and new demand is shaking up what was traditionally a conservative, expensive, risky and slow-paced industry. Record investment is pouring into space companies on a wave of excitement and race to grab market share. In 2015 [...]
Alta Devices Joins Elite High Altitude Leadership Group
Upper Airspace Working Group (UAWG) Alta Devices and other leaders in high altitude technology have initiated the Upper Airspace Working Group (UAWG). This exciting group will work to tackle the challenges and opportunities associated with high altitude missions. The UAWG’s founding members are Facebook, Boeing, Google, Harris, Lockheed Martin, Northrup [...]
Adding Solar To Your UAV Just Got Easier
Many aircraft companies are incorporating solar into their initial UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) or drone design or retrofitting it to their UAV wings by customer request. Why add solar to a UAV? The benefits include increased endurance, increased power and greater capabilities. This translates to the ability to fly longer [...]
Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)
One of the most exciting policy changes currently being discussed in the UAV industry is the extension of flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). BVLOS flights are important because they can allow UAVs to cover much greater distances thereby improving the economics and feasibility of most commercial operations. These [...]
Alta Devices hosts Bob Parks (Aurora Flight Sciences)
Last night Alta Devices hosted the February meeting of the Silicon Valley Chapter of AUVSI. AUVSI is the Association of Unmanned Vehicles and the largest body representing the UAS industry. Bob Parks, Sr. Technical Fellow at Aurora Flight Sciences, gave a fascinating talk as the night’s guest presenter. Beginning as a [...]