NASA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have collaborated to create a research transition team focused on advancing wildland fire technology. The frequency and scale of wildland fires have been on the rise in recent years, prompting the need for new technologies to help emergency responders prevent, monitor, and combat these fires more effectively. The Wildland Fire Airspace Operations research transition team will be responsible for developing and testing innovative concepts and technologies to enhance airspace integration in the fight against wildland fires.
The use of drones in aerial firefighting operations presents an opportunity to overcome limitations such as poor visibility that restrict flying during certain times. However, advanced airspace management technologies are required to ensure safe operation and coordination with other aircraft when using drones. Over the next four years, NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, in collaboration with the FAA, will focus on developing new airspace access and traffic management concepts and technologies to support wildland fire operations. These developments will not only benefit current approaches to wildland fire management but will also contribute to shaping future firefighting strategies.
NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley hosts ACERO under the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, which aims to drive innovation in emergency response operations through advancements in airspace technologies. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both NASA and the FAA, the research transition team is positioned to make significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of wildland fire management practices.