UTEP researchers develop country’s first drone traffic management system
The NASA MIRO Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research at UTEP has installed the country’s first Unmanned Aerial Systems Traffic Management system in El Paso County.
Currently, there are 15 sensors installed throughout El Paso County. For example, one is on the roof of the education building at UTEP. Another is at the El Paso airport. If drone users register through the website AirMap, they will be able to see where other unmanned and manned aircrafts, that are also registered through the site, currently are.
The team is working to install more sensors to improve the system over the next couple of months.
The primary focus of the UTM system is to increase safety throughout the Paso del Norte region. Mid-air collisions between manned and unmanned aircraft in low-altitude airspace are a significant concern. This UTM system will allow for increased situational awareness for pilots of manned and unmanned aircraft, thus increasing safety in the community.
UTEP students helped develop the sensors.
Researchers hope to expand the project to other counties in the region. They say the technology also allows users to be notified of emergency “no fly zones.”
“If there is a public emergency and they want to communicate to all of the operators in the area that they recommend they voluntarily stay away because, for example, there’s a hazardous chemical spill, they have the capability to go into the system and actually show the changed airspace in certain areas,” said Dr. Michael McGee, the head of the project.
For more information about registering for AirMap click here.
