AT&T, NASA research UAS traffic management

15th November 2016 - 12:30 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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US telecom firm AT&T and NASA are collaborating on research into traffic management solutions for UAS, the company announced on 10 November.

The collaboration aims to develop a UAS traffic management (UTM) solution to support safe and secure UAS operations in national airspace - including flight path planning, monitoring, surveillance, tracking and navigation.

AT&T's role is focused on the development of wireless networking and advanced technologies, drawing on its experience in networking, the Internet of Things, cloud, identity management and cybersecurity.

Key to safe UAS operations is tackling the potential impact of cybersecurity threats; as a result, cyber protections are being designed into the system from the outset.

Mike Leff, vice president, civilian, AT&T Global Public Sector Solutions, said: 'Working with NASA and others, we are designing the management system for a new frontier in aviation. Drones are already used in agriculture, public safety, construction, utilities, real estate and TV. This research can help support the commercial and private use of drones nationwide.'

The company will continue to participate in NASA demonstrations, workshops and studies related to airspace operations concepts and technologies; and continue work on its plans to use drones to inspect cell towers and measure network performance at venues across the country.