Potential applications for the research results beyond Phase 2 include uses by NASA and, eventually, by the FAA as a capability to be incorporated into the NextGen metroplex automation systems. The proposed SBIR addresses a topic originally included as part of the SORM concept but not currently being studied. As such, this work is highly relevant to NASA and directly contributes to NASA's Airspace Systems Program objectives. While NASA's current SORM work focuses on more near-term goals, this work will provide a foundation for continuing SORM research to also be relevant to longer-term, NextGen environments. In Phase 3, we would continue to collaborate with NASA on future SORM research. This work might involve software maintenance, software and algorithm enhancements, studying alternative algorithmic or conceptual approaches, testing for other airports and off-nominal situations, support for NASA integrated simulations, and support for NASA's technology transfer to the FAA.
Beyond NASA, the primary potential application for this work is with the FAA. Ultimately, the technology studied and developed in this project is intended to be used by the FAA within the air traffic management system. The most likely Phase 3 activities involve supporting the FAA's study and prototype deployment and testing of the technology. Mosaic ATM has previously conducted technology transfer to the FAA, simulation experiments, and field trials for NASA-developed automation tools and concepts and is well-qualified to complete these Phase 3 objectives with minimal risk. During Phase 2, we will consider whether the algorithmic and software techniques we have developed might have application in decision support tools for the flight operators, such as in coordinating planning of flights and ground services to increase overall efficiency.
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