Numerica teams up with NASA

Advancing the science of information

The final space shuttle mission has left a lot of folks wondering, “What’s next, NASA?” One answer rests with R&D company Numerica Corp. Over the next two years, research scientitists at Numerica will develop collision avoidance capabilities for unmanned aircraft operating in the National Airspace System.

The NAS is a complex and shared network of people, procedures, equipment and infrastructure that keeps our commercial flights safe and on time. NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration are working together on next-generation improvements to the NAS because they recognize the urgent need to safely integrate UAS into the nation’s complex aviation system.

Incorporating unmanned vehicles into national airspace benfits scientific research, national security, emergency response and disaster relief. But unmanned aircraft are grossly underutilized in these areas because they lack reliable collision-avoidance technology.

Numerica research scientist Jason Adaska, Ph.D., is leading Numerica’s efforts to create a sense-and-avoid capability to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace. Adaska and his team are working with Springs-based Colorado Engineering Inc. to model its USTAR collision avoidance radar for feasibility testing.

Numerica president Jeff Poore said, “We are thrilled to support the good work NASA is doing to prevent collisions in our national airspace. It’s rewarding work that makes a difference.” Hear, hear!

Advertisement

Tags: collision avoidance, FAA, jason adaska, jeff poore, NAS, NASA, Numerica corp, sense-and-avoid, UAS, UAV