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.
