Mission-Aware Payloads for Unmanned Platforms

Sentix and Brigham Young University propose the research and development of embedded payload intelligence for inflight optimization of surveillance, reconnaissance, and scientific missions. The current proposal leverages a substantial body of scientific and experimental knowledge derived from the Tactical Seeability™ System developed by Sentix' staff and BYU researchers to provide fully automated, optimal optical sensing over rugged 3D terrain. Discriminating features of our target capability include the following: 1.) A modular, sensor and platform agnostic framework for preflight and inflight modeling and optimization of performance in data acquisition missions, 2.) Mission impact modeling relating sensor payload configuration (states) to "sensing value" for the mission. 3.) An optimizer for the configuration of the aircraft and payload. 4.) An online estimator of current mission impact arising from the actual, achieved sensing, which can be used to inform a re-planning process for corrections to flight trajectories and payload configuration.

Mission-aware payloads offer the potential for autonomous platforms to achieve unprecedented levels of accuracy and information density in the sensing products they acquire, package, and deliver to remote operators around the globe. Sentix' successful development of a "smart payload" that is mission and platform aware relative to an operating environment will enable NASA to apply this technology to long-duration earth science missions collecting imagery (EO/IR/HS) across a variety of terrains and atmospheric conditions. It is important to note that integration of sensing intelligence into payload systems will yield implications well beyond terrestrial / earth-bound applications. Space robotics used for exploration of other worlds will present the same, if not significantly greater, challenges with regards to C2 and data links. Because the optimal sensing capabilities can be realized in both airborne and surface environments, robotic platforms in both domains will benefit, yielding rovers, winged fliers, and rotor / flapping flight explorers that can operate with substantially greater autonomy than is currently available to NASA.

The new capabilities and embedded technology to emerge from this STTR effort will be directly applicable to nearly all inventory platforms (e.g., Predator, Reaper, Shadow) with the possible exception of the lightest weight systems such as Raven and Wasp. Placing the 'smarts' forward into the aircraft and sensor itself will literally embody sensor intelligence onto the battlefield and help to empower autonomy machines, allowing commanders to decide whether they can, at this point in the future, be granted agency to act on behalf of the commanding nation. Beyond DoD applications, DHS-CBP will find widespread use for self-optimizing sensor platforms to aid in border coverage and port overwatch. Similarly, FEMA's ability to use optimal sensing capabilities during response to disasters, e.g., hurricanes, floods, tornados, and management of ongoing recoveries will yield positive results.

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.