NASA researchers at the Ames Research Center in Mountain View have successfully conducted their first wildfire test flight mission using their new airspace management technology. The mission took place in the Salinas foothills and aimed to help firefighting crews operate aircraft both day and night to combat wildfires. With current restrictions on flying at night or in heavy smoke, NASA’s new technology could revolutionize firefighting efforts.
The researchers chose a remote location with challenging terrain to conduct the test flight, ensuring that their portable aircraft management system (PAMs) could keep drones and remotely piloted helicopters within approved flight paths and avoid collisions. By testing and improving their communication systems first, NASA hopes to extend the time that crews can fight fires, preventing wildfires from getting out of control.
The project is personal for many researchers, with Spencer Monheim mentioning his experience growing up in Southern California and being personally affected by wildfires. The researchers hope that their new technology can be implemented in the field soon to provide support to fire crews. Overall, the successful test flight mission brings NASA one step closer to making a real impact on wildfire fighting efforts.
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