NASA and Department of Defense Collaborate on Autonomous Drone Integration
NASA and the Department of Defense are working together through the Federal USS Synthesis effort (FUSE) to advance the safe integration of drones into U.S. airspace. The FUSE demonstration,conducted at the Airspace Operations Lab,focused on testing real-time tracking,situational awareness,and other critical factors for drone traffic management.
This collaboration builds on a long-standing partnership between NASA and the Department of Defense, aiming to contribute to advancements benefiting the nation.According to Todd Ericson, senior advisor to the NASA administrator, FUSE enhances capabilities for drones operating beyond visual line of sight and represents a significant step towards fully autonomous flight.Safety remains a top priority, with NASA coordinating with the FAA and Department of Transportation to ensure appropriate regulation.
The research supports the potential for widespread use of autonomous and semi-autonomous drones across commercial, military, and private sectors. Potential applications include delivering medical supplies to remote areas, monitoring wildfires, and facilitating package deliveries. NASA is focused on developing the necessary infrastructure to enable these operations safely and without disrupting existing airspace.
Terrence lewis, FUSE project manager at NASA Ames, emphasized the importance of the system for enabling safe, routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, stating it “ensures all stakeholders can see and respond to drone activity, which provides the operator with greater situational awareness.”
The NASA FUSE effort is being conducted in collaboration with the War Department’s Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and Sustainment. It also partners with ULTRA, a multi-entity collaboration including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the County of Grand Forks, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, Grand Sky Development, the air Force Research Laboratory, and various commercial partners, all working to strengthen capabilities within the National Airspace System.
