A Toolkit for UAM Communications Management

Our proposed innovation is a two-component system that, combined, constitutes our Toolkit for UAM Communications Management, or TUCM. The first component represents a deep dive into computing the path loss (or equivalently, the signal strength) for AAM flights given the link distance, carrier frequency, surface reflection coefficient, and relative path loss difference between a line-of-sight wave and a multipath wave. Our proposed path loss prediction tool is a machine learning (ML) model that is trained using data from ray tracing software. This first component builds on work that Mosaic ATM has already completed regarding path loss estimation in a UTM environment; the innovation here is to extend it to a higher-altitude UAM environment. The second component of TUCM is a blueprint that will help the wider aviation community collaboratively develop and mature the architecture of a robust UAM/AAM communications infrastructure. This more general, but comprehensive, view will be useful from UML-4 through UML-6. We envision that such a system would provide ground communication, air-to-air communication, and satellite communication. The combination of these technologies will ensure continuous coverage and robust reconfiguration if the communication link is severed, for example, by providing an ad hoc airborne network that can be rapidly reconfigured.

NASA can use the tool as part of its ongoing testing of UAM and AAM concepts. NASA can also use the tool in conjunction with its ATM-X UAM testbed simulation environment as a communications coverage service. The UAM and AAM ConOps needs further clarity in air-ground communications, and the communications infrastructure part of this proposal helps fill that gap.

Potential revenue customers are local communities, which include local and state governments. Our strategy is to obtain consulting or direct contracts from these local regions to help them with UAM/AAM communications infrastructure planning and implementation. We also look to government research agencies as natural markets for any research problems that we uncover that we can also help solve.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.