Chinese tech giant DJI has successfully completed the world's first drone delivery tests on Mount Everest, marking a huge milestone in high-altitude logistics. These tests involved transporting cargo between camps and removing waste left by climbers at altitudes above 6,000 meters (19,685 feet).
This breakthrough could alleviate the burdens on Nepalese guides who risk their lives to clean the mountain and deliver essential supplies.
DJ's First Delivery Test on the World's Highest Mountain
In April, DJI's FlyCart 30 drone executed a test where it transported 15 kg (33 pounds) of oxygen tanks and other supplies from Everest's South Base Camp at 5,364 meters to Camp 1, 700 meters higher, Interesting Engineering wrote in its report.
It then returned to the base camp carrying an equivalent weight of refuse.
Despite sub-zero temperatures and strong winds, the drone reached a peak altitude of nearly 6,200 meters and retained 43% of its battery power.
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Challenges of High-Altitude Flight
Flying at high altitudes presents unique challenges due to reduced air pressure and density, which make it harder for aircraft to take off and maintain stability. These conditions also strain the drone's battery.
Initially, DJI stated that the FlyCart 30's maximum altitude with both batteries was 6,000 meters without a payload. However, this test surpassed those limits, showcasing the drone's robust capabilities.
For Everest and Beyond
Following this successful trial, a Nepalese company, commissioned by the government, launched a drone project to clean Everest's southern slope.
Each year, thousands of climbers leave behind a tremendous amount of waste, turning Everest into what DJI describes as the "world's highest garbage dump."
In 2023 alone, the mountain saw over 6,600 successful summits, with each climber leaving behind approximately 8 kg of rubbish.
Saving Lives of Sherpas
Traditionally, the dangerous task of waste removal falls to local Sherpa guides, who must navigate treacherous paths like the Khumbu Icefall. This unstable river of ice is one of the most perilous sections of the climb.
According to Mingma Gyalje, a guide with Imagine Nepal, the journey through the icefall takes 6 to 8 hours daily, posing life-threatening risks. The deployment of DJI drones could significantly reduce these hazards.
"We need to spend 6-8 hours each day walking through this icefall. Last year I lost three Sherpas. If we're not lucky, if our time is not right, we lose our life there," Gyalje said.
Efficiency and Safety
While helicopters can theoretically perform similar tasks, their use is limited by high costs and risks. DJI's drone, capable of carrying 15 kg of cargo, can complete a round trip from the base camp to Camp 1 in just 12 minutes. The team chose a strategic location between Camp 1 and the top of the icefall to unload cargo and load waste using a hovering cable system.
Countering CCP Drones Act
The FlyCart 30 drone, launched in January, has proven its versatility in various applications, including planting saplings in Japan, aiding mountain fire rescues in Norway, conducting research in Antarctica, and installing solar panels in Mexico. However, DJI faces challenges in the US due to the Countering CCP Drones Act, which aims to limit DJI operations based on its alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
DJI's successful drone delivery tests on Mount Everest are no doubt an intelligent way to transport goods to the most dangerous parts of the mountain. This not only promises to reduce the risks faced by Sherpa guides but also opens new possibilities for emergency supply deliveries and environmental conservation in extreme conditions.
