UAV & satellite communications live mission-critical visual data

Live aerial observations from field to control and operations centers, in form of photos and video for visual situational awareness, are valuable in several mission-critical operations, such as disaster management, search and rescue, border control, police operations, security and safety. The use of small UAVs to obtain these observations is attractive, but often challenged by lack of suitable solutions to get live images back to decision makers. In mission-critical operations, detailed observations may be required in real-time, shared beyond the location of a pilot and payload operator. For UAV flights anytime/anywhere, potentially beyond radio line-of-sight, one cannot depend on terrestrial communications alone. Satellite communications is required either in the UAV itself or as a relay via ground to secure the observations can be shared. High definition photos and video have given high costs and long delay, often needing more capacity than available. We present a novel concept for obtaining live mission-critical visual information from UAVs, that combats these traditional barriers for operations.