Secure Wireless Data Collection for First Responders Using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

This proposal aims to revolutionize wildfire response by developing a secure wireless data collection system using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS). ​ The innovation addresses NASA's technical need for nontraditional aviation operations in wildfire response by enhancing situational awareness, improving coordination, and enabling efficient data transport in challenging environments. ​ The proposed system leverages mobile-mesh communications networks to enable UAS to share state information, track each other, and route mission-critical data to remote decision-makers. ​ This includes real-time mission and operation data transmission from UAS and ground-based IoT devices. ​ The funding will be used to achieve several technical objectives, including identifying first responder missions and stakeholder needs, determining data requirements, identifying suitable radios, documenting alternative network implementation methods, and developing network performance metrics. ​ Additionally, the project will involve writing software to collect state data, conducting flight tests to determine UAS performance characteristics, developing simulations for network operations, and demonstrating data transport capabilities. ​ The target markets for this innovation include government agencies and public safety organizations such as fire departments, emergency management agencies, law enforcement agencies, and disaster response teams. ​ By providing a secure and reliable airborne network for low-latency data transport, the system aims to improve strategic planning, resource allocation, and situational awareness, ultimately enhancing the safety and efficiency of wildfire response operations. ​ This proposal directly addresses NASA's need for innovative technologies to improve wildland fire management through enhanced data collection, processing, and communication networks.

The innovation aligns with NASA's goals to revolutionize wildland fire management through advanced technologies that improve strategic planning, resource allocation, and situational awareness. ​Key aspects are: Strategic Planning and Persistent Monitoring: The system enables data collection and transport by the airborne network, facilitating strategic planning and continuous monitoring of wildland fire conditions. ​ Effective Resource Use: By collecting position and state data from ground crews, equipment, and aircraft, the system supports effective resource deployment during operations. ​ Multi-Mission Planning: The data collected and provided by the system enables strategic planning for concurrent operations, such as air attack and search and rescue missions. ​ On-Demand Network Connectivity: The system extends the UTM network to non-connected environments, providing essential connectivity during wildfire disaster situations. ​ Enhanced Communication: The system increases communication throughput, reduces data transfer latency, ensures interoperability with existing solutions, and provides a reliable network for UAS, other aviation assets, and emergency responders. ​ Automated Operations in GPS-Denied Environments: The system supports automated operations, such as precision water drops, by providing mobile position, navigation, and timing solutions in GPS-degraded environments. ​ Comprehensive Situational Awareness: The system integrates state data and mission data for resource tracking, airspace coordination, and command and control, supporting various stakeholders in the incident command structure. ​ Safety and Efficiency: The availability of real-time data enhances both the safety and efficiency of wildfire response operations. The development of a specialized drone traffic management system, boosting communication networks, and ensuring reliable navigation in GPS-denied environments are key components that align with NASA's mission directives. The proposed technology offers significant commercialization opportunities beyond NASA applications, enhancing public safety and emergency response operations across various sectors: Fire Departments and Emergency Management Agencies: Real-time aerial data improves situational awareness during disasters like wildfires, earthquakes, and floods, enabling better resource allocation and strategic deployment. ​ Law Enforcement Agencies: Police forces can utilize the technology for crowd monitoring, suspect tracking, and crime scene investigation, ensuring effective coordination and rapid response during emergencies. ​ Disaster Response Teams: Federal agencies and NGOs benefit from robust data collection and transmission capabilities, which aid rescue operations, infrastructure assessment, and resource management during major events. ​ Infrastructure Monitoring and Maintenance: The technology can inspect critical infrastructure such as bridges, power lines, and pipelines, enabling timely maintenance and reducing the risk of failures. Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring: Farmers and environmental agencies can monitor crop health, assess environmental conditions, and manage natural resources, supporting precision agriculture and sustainable practices. Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Our technology enables real-time tracking of goods and assets, improving supply chain visibility & losses and optimizing delivery routes. Urban Planning and Smart Cities: Municipalities can use the technology for urban planning, traffic management, monitoring public spaces, supporting smart city initiatives, and improving urban infrastructure. Commercial Drone Services: Enhanced capabilities for data collection, communication, and navigation open new business opportunities in sectors like real estate, media, and entertainment. The proposed technology has the potential to capture a significant share of the growing global drone market by addressing these diverse 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.