NEAR EARTH AUTONOMY, INC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: AFX20D-TCSO1

Description

We propose to validate technologies that have wide applicability in keeping ORBs safe from collision with uncooperative aircraft in the National Air Space (NAS). Through Phase I we will illustrate using simulation and flight experiments how performance and reliability can be scaled for a wide range of aircraft, leading to certified systems for government and commercial usage. We will show how a sensory system (passive vision + radar) can be combined with an established avoidance policy to enhance autonomous aircraft operations. Additionally, we will use redundant modes of sensing and proven avoidance policies to create a scalable, certifiable, and aircraft-agnostic methodology. The technology in this proposal will build on existing and proven systems that sense and avoid static obstacles. Our innovation has broad relevance to commercial and defense applications. We have identified our specific Air Force customer as PEO Mobility with AFSOC as the end user. Our team of Near Earth Autonomy and Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, includes experts in imaging, aircraft operations, and robotics technology. We are currently working with multiple commercial partners in this area.