IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is being developed as the next phase of the IRYDA+ technology program. The project is intended to draw on the experience gained during the development of the IRYDA+ X1 platform, but its target architecture envisions a much broader scope of operation—including communication beyond traditional radio range, integration with satellite services, autonomous data processing, and resilience to the loss of standard navigation and communication sources.

IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is currently in the conceptual and development stages. The features presented here describe the project’s planned technological direction and do not constitute a specification of the finished product.

From a UAV platform to a multi-domain system

The IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is not designed as a single drone with an extended range. The goal of the program is to create an architecture in which an unmanned aerial platform can interoperate with ground infrastructure, satellite systems, external data sources, and other autonomous platforms.

This approach makes it possible to build a system designed to operate over large areas, beyond the operator’s direct reach and that of traditional terrestrial communication methods.

Satellite Communications – SATCOM

One of the most important areas of development for the IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is its ability to utilize satellite communications. In conventional UAV systems, the transmission range is largely limited by the capabilities of the ground-based radio link, the terrain, and the distance from the Ground Control System.

The introduction of SATCOM may enable certain operations to be conducted beyond the direct reach of ground-based communications infrastructure and increase the flexibility of the system’s use.

Resilience to GNSS loss

Modern autonomous systems cannot base the entire navigation process on a single data source. GNSS signal interference or loss can significantly limit the capabilities of a conventional unmanned platform.

Therefore, one of the research areas of IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is the development of a resilient navigation architecture, in which information from various sensors and sources can be combined to maintain navigation data that is as stable as possible.

• GNSS as one of many data sources,
• inertial systems,
• analysis of data from onboard sensors,
• navigation based on imagery and terrain features,
• merging navigation data,
• mechanisms for detecting anomalies and signal reliability loss,
• Development of operations in environments where GNSS availability is disrupted or limited.

Edge AI – On-Board Intelligence

In the architecture of IRYDA+ SPACE Z1, data processing directly on the platform is intended to play a significant role. Instead of transmitting all the data to the ground control center, selected information can be analyzed locally by an onboard computer.

This solution can reduce bandwidth requirements, shorten response times, and enable the platform to make certain decisions autonomously within the framework of predefined rules.

Integration with satellite monitoring

Another potential direction for the program’s development is the integration of UAVs with data from Earth Observation systems. In the future, the unmanned platform may use satellite data as an additional source of information when planning and updating missions.

The opposite scenario is also possible: the satellite system identifies an area requiring closer observation, and the UAV platform is dispatched to conduct a detailed reconnaissance at a lower altitude.

HAPS platforms and the intermediate layer

In the future, HAPS (High Altitude Platform Systems) may also operate alongside traditional UAVs and satellites. These are aircraft that operate at very high altitudes and can serve as communication relays, sensors, or components of a distributed observation system.

IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is to be designed in such a way that, in later stages of development, it can also be integrated with this type of infrastructure.

A system designed for cross-platform operation

The experience gained during the development of IRYDA+ X1—particularly in the area of a single operator overseeing multiple platforms—is intended to serve as the foundation for the further development of a multi-platform architecture.

In the case of SPACE Z1, this means the possibility of future collaboration among platforms located in different locations, using different communication channels, and carrying out elements of a single shared mission.

Potential areas of application

• monitoring of large areas,
• border security and critical infrastructure protection,
• surveillance of hard-to-reach areas,
• marine and coastal monitoring,
• crisis management,
• assessment of the impacts of natural disasters,
• monitoring fires and environmental hazards,
• monitoring of energy and transportation infrastructure,
• support for situational awareness and its development,
• operations requiring communication beyond standard radio range,
• testing of autonomous and multi-platform technologies,
• Integration of UAV and Earth Observation Data.

Planned Technology Architecture

IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 – Planned Development Path

Technology Partnerships

Implementation of the IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 project will require collaboration with entities possessing specialized technological expertise. MBF Group S.A. plans to develop the project in a manner that is open to industrial, scientific, and international collaboration.

IRYDA+ SPACE Z1 is a project currently in the conceptual and development stages. The information provided describes the planned technological directions and the potential system architecture. They do not constitute technical specifications for the finished product or a declaration of the availability of specific features. The specifications, configuration, scope of integration, and project timeline will be determined as research and development progresses and cooperation with technology partners evolves.