Patterns-of-Life Geofencing supporting Advanced Aerial Mobility (AAM)

To accelerate AAM maturity and address the needs of the mature state for UAM, this SBIR effort addresses the need for a capability to: (1) assess from historical data the traffic patterns and needs of GA traffic, and (2) assess, in real-time, the patterns-of-life for GA activity at low altitudes in urban environments, so as to geofence those regions and protect both GA and UAM traffic from anomalous events. The Innovation Laboratory proposes to develop an enabling technology that assists geofencing between GA and UAM vehicles, for instance, eVTOLs in urban environments. With this innovation, the patterns-of-life data for GA traffic can become an asset for UAM airspace operational planners and USS providers monitoring UAM airspace constraints.

We address NASA’s needs in both the AOSP and ARMD Strategic Thrusts 1 (Safe, Efficient Growth in Global Operations) and 6 (Assured Autonomy for Aviation Transformation). The technology adapts UTM geofencing concept elements for application to UAM, including: Geofencing designs that enable dense and/or increasingly complex UAM operations, with a goal to safely and efficiently integrate with existing operations and mission types Integration of emergent users with legacy users, in particular, GA users.

Our product will have utility to inform of low altitude operations geofencing boundaries that benefit state and local facilities operating GA airports, heliports for commercial, local law enforcement, and medical emergency operations. Our innovation targets commercial entities that want to participate in the UAM vertiports or fly UTM services (e.g., drone package delivery services).

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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