Adaptive and Secure Autonomy for UAS: A Modular Approach to Flight Control, Machine Learning Integration, and Multi-Vehicle Coordination

This proposal outlines the SwiftCore Flight Management System, a modular Avionics & Sensors solution for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) designed for high reliability and rapid adaptability. SwiftCore utilizes a layered architecture with intelligent nodes communicating through a publisher-subscriber messaging system. Its purpose is to provide a flexible and safe platform for advanced UAS functionalities, including multi-vehicle coordination, machine learning-based sensing and control, and adaptive tuning. Phase I funding will be utilized to further develop and validate this modular, layered architecture. Key technical objectives to be achieved with the funding include: -Defining and documenting a modular, multi-layer control and sensing architecture with standardized messaging based on the SwiftCore which already contains many of these characteristics. -Adapting and refining the existing SwiftCore system to meet evolving operational requirements and support multiple aircraft configurations. -Developing a "safe sandbox" environment to allow testing of experimental control modules without compromising overall system safety. -Demonstrating a proof-of-concept for machine learning–enabled, in-flight tuning of control loops. The target markets for the SwiftCore system include government agencies like NASA, NOAA, USGS, and the DoD, as well as commercial customers in aerial surveying, agricultural monitoring, and infrastructure inspection. Uncrewed aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and academic research institutions are considered important target market segments.

The SwiftCore technology could support NASA mission directives by providing a robust, modular Avionics & Sensors platform for UAS that enables advanced autonomous functionalities crucial for various NASA objectives. Specifically, SwiftCore's capabilities align with NASA's need for: -Highly reliable systems for challenging environments: SwiftCore has already been certified and used in NASA projects like BVLOS volcanic sampling missions and hurricane observations, demonstrating its robustness in extreme conditions. -Rapid development of advanced flight functionalities: Its modular architecture and open communication interface allow for the seamless integration of new sensors and control modules, accelerating the development of unique applications relevant to NASA's evolving mission requirements. -Enhanced safety for complex UAS operations: Features like the safe sandbox for testing experimental modules and redundant sensor capabilities contribute to safer BVLOS missions and operations over populated areas. -Multi-vehicle coordination for complex tasks: SwiftCore supports data sharing and coordinated missions between multiple aircraft, enabling efficient execution of tasks like large-area surveys, which are relevant to NASA's Earth science and planetary exploration efforts. -Adaptive control and predictive maintenance: The integration of machine learning for real-time control loop tuning and early fault detection can improve the reliability and operational efficiency of NASA's UAS deployments. -Advancing autonomous systems: By providing a modular and adaptable platform, SwiftCore directly addresses NASA's objective of developing scalable autonomy tools for reducing pilot workload and improving operational safety, as highlighted by the NASA CAS Project and ARMD's strategic plan. -Integration with existing systems: SwiftCore is designed to interface with legacy systems and supports standardized protocols, which is important for integrating with NASA's existing infrastructure. SwiftCore Flight Management System presents significant commercialization opportunities within both government and commercial markets. •Government Agencies: NASA, NOAA, USGS, and the Department of Defense are primary targets due to their demands for high reliability, fault tolerance, and autonomy in UAS operations. Our conversation history also notes SwiftCore's existing use in NASA and NOAA projects. •Commercial Customers: This segment includes aerial survey companies, agricultural monitoring firms, and infrastructure inspection services. •UAS Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Academic Research Institutions: These entities seek to incorporate advanced autonomous functionalities into their platforms.

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.