In the South-West Indian Ocean (SWIO), islands affected by cyclones lack the resources to protect themselves against cyclones as they happen. Instead, they rely on the scientific community to use weather data to accurately predict when and where cyclones will occur so they can take the necessary precautions. 

Scientists collect weather data using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor altitudes where piloted aircraft cannot safely go. However, these UAVs have historically used integrated line-of-sight radios with a range of only 50 kilometers. Additionally, fast-moving storms can prevent the collection of data or risk the loss of a UAV.

ReNovRisk, a project of the French National Meteorological Service and drone-manufacturer Boreal SAS, aimed to analyze the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean to improve modeling around cyclone formation. 

Rather than traditional radio connection, the BOREAL UAVs used Iridium Connected PLANET Terminal from ATMOSPHERE, built using the Iridium Core 9523 module. By utilizing Iridium’ GLOS services, scientists were able to create a reliable and Global Line of Sight to the UAVs, allowing them to transmit weather data over greater distances and allow for real-time changes to flight paths to avoid storms.

Over the course of their two-month mission, the Iridium Connected drones performed 12 scientific flights, traveling more than 5,000 kilometers at heights up to 1,000 meters above sea level.

The flexibility of the UAVs and the reliability of the Iridium network helped researchers gather more precise weather data, critical for better understanding and predicting the SWIO tropical storms.