Spending 36 hours at 30,000 feet is all very clever but of no use whatsoever when the cloud base is at 1500 feet. Doesn't matter how good a Thermal imaging camera you fit, it can't see through cloud.
Before spending millions on high-tec gadgets, what's needed first is a machine that can give clear skies over the UK 100% of the time - then, you might be on to something.

you sound like the PM talking about track and trace or Covid testing................operation moonshot anyone?:E