[Satellite TODAY 04-29-10] Defense contractor Global Telesat Corp. (GTC) has agreed to purchase a 50 percent interest in one of Sanswire Corp.’s SkySat airships for $250,000, with an option to purchase the remaining half for an additional $750,000, Sanswire announced April 28.

    The SkySat is Sanswire’s mid-altitude UAV platform. The airship initially was designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions performed at altitudes up to 45,000 feet. Sanswire and Global Telesat intend to upgrade the airship to improve its viability for multipurpose defense and communications operations. 

    Global Telesat’s option expires at the end of 2010. The companies said they would use the partnership opportunity to upgrade the UAV to improve its viability for multipurpose defense and communications operations.

    “We also are expanding our product portfolio of integrated, near-space UAV designs. Our goal is to offer a broad range of low-cost, long-duration surveillance solutions for our customers that can be delivered in a timely and cost-efficient manner,” Sanswire Chairman (Ret.) U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Wayne Jackson said in a statement.