Low-frequency multi-mode (SAR and penetrating) radar onboard light-weight UAV for Earth and Planetary exploration

Project Information

FlyRadar

Grant agreement ID: 101007973

DOI

10.3030/101007973

Project closed

EC signature date 24 November 2020

Start date 1 February 2021

End date 31 July 2025

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 1 021 200,00

EU contribution

€ 1 021 200,00

Coordinated by

IRSPS SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - FlyRadar (Low-frequency multi-mode (SAR and penetrating) radar onboard light-weight UAV for Earth and Planetary exploration)

Reporting period: 2023-02-01 to 2025-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The EU-funded FlyRadar project has successfully developed and validated a low-frequency radar system integrated onboard a lightweight unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This innovative platform was conceived to serve both planetary exploration and terrestrial applications, bridging scientific research and industrial needs.

Scientific, technical and business-oriented objectives achieved:
- The consortium fused and jointly applied its comparative expertise on radar data, advancing knowledge of Martian and terrestrial analogues and supporting the design of the instrument.
- Cross-sector collaboration between academia, SMEs, and research institutions enabled the design, integration, and optimization of a functional UAV–radar prototype.
- The prototype was validated and adapted in a series of analogue field campaigns in France, which confirmed its performance in realistic conditions and its potential for future applications.
- The consortium jointly explored the economic feasibility of the instrument, identifying exploitation opportunities for both space and non-space markets (civil engineering, environmental monitoring, cultural heritage, resource prospecting).

Training and mobility objectives achieved:
- Innovation was pushed forward by establishing a dynamic research and training network that carried out numerous secondments, joint workshops, and knowledge-sharing events.
- Researchers and professionals had the opportunity to go beyond the state-of-the-art in geology and instrumentation for surface and subsurface analyses, with hands-on experience in radar integration, data handling, and UAV operations.
- Early-career researchers were strongly supported: the project contributed to the successful completion of two PhD theses and the recruitment of young secondees into doctoral programs at UCBL (France) and CBK PAN (Poland).
- Complementary and market-oriented skills were built through dedicated training, stakeholder engagement, and outreach, equipping European researchers and professionals to meet emerging scientific and industrial challenges.

In conclusion, FlyRadar delivered a validated UAV-based radar prototype, demonstrated its scientific and technical value in analogue environments, and fostered strong interdisciplinary collaboration. The project generated significant impact in planetary science, geophysical exploration, and industrial applications, while training the next generation of researchers and enhancing Europe’s innovation capacity in UAV and radar technologies.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

From its launch, the FlyRadar project progressed through the full research, development, validation, and dissemination cycle. In the early phase, the consortium defined the scientific and technical requirements of the system (WP1–WP2), advancing the knowledge of Martian and terrestrial analogues and specifying the parameters needed for both planetary exploration and terrestrial applications. This was followed by the design and development of a multimode, multi-band radar (WP3) and the conception of a UAV platform able to carry the payload (WP4).

During the second half of the project, the focus shifted to integration, qualification, and field validation. The radar and UAV were successfully integrated, with extensive laboratory and field testing campaigns conducted in Lyon and on the Bouichet plateau (southern France) between June 2024 and July 2025 (WP6). Despite technical challenges, including crashes and subsequent repairs, the prototype was validated in sounder and SAR modes, collecting around 40 GB of high-quality data. WP5 completed the full qualification of the radar, UAV platform, and their interfaces, ensuring compliance with performance and reliability requirements.

Knowledge transfer and training (WP7) were major achievements: over 30 secondments were realized, enabling intensive collaboration between engineers and scientists. Two PhD theses were successfully defended, new university courses were established (University of Lyon, ELTE University Budapest), and strong cross-sector collaboration was built.

Communication, dissemination, and exploitation (WP8) were pursued actively throughout the project. Dissemination included the publication of a peer-reviewed article in Acta Astronautica (Q1), over 20 conference contributions (LPSC, EPSC, EGU, Space BR, H-Space), and numerous workshops and exhibitions (e.g. Fête de la Science, Pop Science Festival). Outreach targeted schools, universities, and the general public, while the project’s website and social media channels ensured continuous visibility. Exploitation activities, including market analyses, highlighted strong potential applications in civil engineering, environmental monitoring, cultural heritage preservation, and planetary exploration.

Overall, the project successfully delivered a validated UAV–radar prototype, demonstrated its scientific and technical relevance, trained a new generation of researchers, and created the foundations for future exploitation in both space and non-space markets.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The FlyRadar project has advanced beyond the current state of the art by successfully integrating a low-frequency, multimode radar system onto a lightweight UAV platform. Until now, radars of this class required heavier carriers or ground-based deployment, which limited their flexibility and operational scenarios. FlyRadar demonstrated that even a small drone with a payload capacity of around 5 kg can host and operate a radar system, paving the way for agile, low-cost, and versatile subsurface investigations.

This breakthrough enables applications that were not previously feasible. For planetary exploration, the project has developed a prototype concept that could support future ESA missions to Mars and other bodies, providing high-resolution subsurface imaging at scales unattainable from orbit. On Earth, the system opens new opportunities in civil engineering, environmental monitoring, hazard assessment, mineral resource exploration, and cultural heritage protection, all with faster deployment and lower operational costs than traditional approaches.

The project has already delivered significant impacts. It has supported two PhD theses and the creation of new university courses, securing long-term knowledge transfer and training of early-career researchers. SMEs involved gained expertise in UAV–radar integration, data transfer optimization, and operational solutions, strengthening their competitiveness and opening potential new markets.

The socio-economic implications are substantial. FlyRadar demonstrated a solution for rapid, cost-effective, and large-scale subsurface surveys, which can directly benefit industries, municipalities, and research institutions. By reducing barriers to advanced geophysical surveys and bridging planetary and terrestrial applications, FlyRadar strengthens Europe’s role in technological innovation while contributing to environmental monitoring, sustainable resource use, and scientific discovery.

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