SDR-Based MicroADS-B for Low Altitude Small UAS Operations

ADS-B is emerging as the defacto standard for manned aircraft in the context of NextGen ATM. There are several advantages to ADS-B, but most ADS-B gear was developed for manned aircraft, and some smaller versions have been developed for UAVs recently. However, even the smallest currently-available ADS-B transponder is still about 250g, which is not suitable for small UAVs, such as those becoming popular for civilian use in the US. KalScott proposes to develop a micro ADS-B unit, which is light enough, inexpensive enough, and uncomplicated enough that it can be adopted readily for small civilian UAVs.

Safe integration of small UAVs into the national airspace, specially for low altitude scenarios. Enables real time tracking via ADS-B, along with feeds to FAA. Supports collision avoidance and separation assurance.

Can be used for tracking all types of manned and unmanned, civilian and military vehicles.

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.