I’ve been working for the past year or so on a project to build a solar HAPS based on NASA’s Prandtl wing concept that is capable of a round-the-world nonstop flight. I’ve finally decided to enlist some more people to help the project move quicker – I would absolutely love to have your help! Here’s some basic project information: I’ve been working closely with Albion Bowers (the creator of the Prandtl wing, and former head scientist at NASA Armstrong) and Don Stackhouse (former head of R&D at Hartzell propellers) among other experienced mentors, to make the project a reality. My initial goal has been to break the sub 50kg all time endurance record, currently held by AtlantikSolar from ETH Zurich. At the moment, mostly due to particular constraints related to how the Prandtl wing is designed, I’m using 3d printed ribs with a carbon I-beam spar and ultracote covering film. As far as electronics go, I’m using sunpower C60 cells and a custom Lion battery, current projections are between 14 and 19 hours of battery endurance, hopefully enough margin for persistent multi-day flight. I’ve constructed one complete V1 prototype, with a different spar design that proved insufficiently stiff, and I’m now in the midst of designing a version 2 with Carbon I-beam spars. I presented the project at Open Sauce in June and had a lot of interest from students and professionals, and after a bit of a break, I’m now back to working full-pace on the project, and I’m interested in putting a team together to hopefully build and fly a few more prototypes this summer! I put up a (very basic) website at halosaroundtheworld.com, but I would be happy to give you more information & answer any questions you may have in person or over zoom! I don’t have any fancy calendar apps but call/text me at (650)-313-1053 and I would be happy to set up a call/meeting! You can also email me at keatonhare@gmail.com or send a carrier pigeon to 19159 Iron Mountain Dr, Grass Valley CA