On-demand Regional Intelligent Operations Network (ORION) (ORION)

The On-Demand Regional Intelligent Operations Network (ORION) is an advanced UAS networking architecture designed to enhance aerial wildfire response and emergency operations. By integrating autonomous tasking, intelligent automation, and secure data exchange, ORION enables a scalable, resilient UAS response network, overcoming the limitations of manual coordination and pre-planned missions. Through multi-UAS orchestration, adaptive networking, and real-time mission execution, ORION supports persistent, on-demand aerial data collection in environments lacking traditional airspace infrastructure. Built on ResilienX’s OptiX digital operations center, ORION extends real-time safety assurance, task automation, and system monitoring to enable fully autonomous multi-UAS coordination. Integrated with VOTIX’s command and control (C2) solution, ORION dynamically assigns and re-tasks UAS assets, equipping first responders with real-time fire perimeter mapping, infrastructure assessment, and search-and-rescue capabilities. ORION also features a third-party application layer, enabling seamless integration of NASA-developed and commercial wildfire modeling and predictive analytics tools. In Phase I, ORION will advance from TRL 1 to TRL 5 through MBSE-derived system architecture development, interoperability validation (OptiX, VOTIX, and third-party UAS), a DIAB trade study, and operational performance modeling in a simulated wildfire response scenario. This research will evaluate network resilience, multi-UAS tasking efficiency, airspace deconfliction, and real-time mission adaptability. Demonstrating ORION’s technical feasibility will establish a validated framework for full-scale prototyping and field deployment in Phase II, supporting NASA’s objectives in autonomous UAS operations for disaster response and airspace management.

ORION aligns with NASA’s mission directives by advancing autonomous aviation technologies that enhance safety, situational awareness, and emergency response. NASA’s Strategic Plan 2022 emphasizes integrating advanced aeronautics, autonomy, and real-time decision-making to improve operational resilience. ORION supports these objectives by enabling a taskable, networked UAS system for wildfire response, improving data exchange and autonomous coordination. NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD) seeks to advance air traffic management and UAS integration. ORION contributes by leveraging Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), networked drone-in-a-box (DIAB) deployments, and adaptive mission execution to enhance UAS safety and autonomy. Its real-time risk assessment and automated airspace deconfliction directly support the Airspace Operations and Safety Program (AOSP), ensuring seamless UAS integration into the National Airspace System. Additionally, ORION supports NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) initiative by enabling real-time situational awareness, dynamic UAS tasking, and interoperable emergency response networks. Its ability to provide persistent aerial intelligence for disaster management aligns with NASA’s goal of using aerospace technologies for public safety. NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) prioritizes autonomy, AI-driven decision-making, and resilient communications—core to ORION’s architecture. By integrating Starlink, LTE, and mesh networking, ORION ensures operational continuity in GPS-degraded environments, supporting NASA’s goal of scalable, resilient aerospace systems. ORION bridges the gap between current UAS capabilities and NASA’s vision for autonomous, taskable, and resilient aviation systems, contributing to the future of intelligent aerospace operations in high-risk environments. ORION’s capabilities extend beyond NASA’s objectives, delivering transformative applications across multiple industries by providing persistent aerial intelligence, automation, and real-time data insights. Emergency Response & Disaster Relief: ORION enhances wildfire response, search and rescue, and disaster recovery by enabling emergency agencies to deploy networked UAS fleets for situational awareness, hazard detection, and damage assessment, improving response speed and resource allocation. Critical Infrastructure & Industrial Inspections: Utility companies and transportation authorities can use ORION for real-time asset monitoring of power lines, pipelines, and bridges. AI-driven defect detection and predictive maintenance reduce downtime, enhance safety, and minimize manual inspections. Insurance & Risk Management: Insurers can leverage ORION for post-disaster damage assessment, claims verification, and risk modeling. Automated aerial assessments provide high-resolution data for faster claims processing and fraud reduction. Agriculture & Environmental Monitoring: ORION supports precision agriculture with large-scale monitoring of crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs. Environmental agencies can utilize it for ecosystem monitoring, deforestation tracking, and pollution analysis. Public Safety & Security: ORION enhances law enforcement and perimeter security with AI-powered object detection, traffic monitoring, and crowd analytics. Automated reconnaissance missions improve situational awareness and response coordination. By reducing reliance on costly manned aircraft and enhancing operational efficiency across sectors, ORION provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for persistent aerial intelligence in high-impact applications.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.