Extended Robust Aerial Autonomy (ERA)

The objective of the Extended Robust Autonomy (ERA) task is to expand the range of terrains that a future Martian Helicopter can safely operate over and enable low-cost automated aerial mobility. This includes maturing critical technology – such as robust visual-inertial odometry (VIO), landing hazard detection and safe landing, on-bord localization based on orbital maps (HiRISE / CTX), and an autonomy framework that supports in-flight decision making – to enable flight over challenging terrain. By demonstrating these technologies in Mars-terrain analogs on next-gen avionics, ERA increases their technology readiness for future mission opportunities.

The technology is scalable to any aerial platform and supports medium-size mission vehicles (e.g. Mars Science Helicopter) and low-cost aerial mobility missions using e.g. an Ingenuity-class vehicle. It can also be adapted to enable autonomy, divert and safe landing for low-cost landers .

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.