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Showing papers on "Concept of operations published in 2021"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The purpose of NASA’s UAS Integration in the National Airspace System project is to support the FAA with research that examines the risks involved with using UAS for commercial use.
Abstract: The purpose of NASA’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration in the National Airspace System project is to support the FAA with research that examines the risks involved with using UAS for com...

13 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The unique characteristics of UAM are analyzed, the current state of the art regarding UAM ground infrastructure designs are reviewed, and a new and VTOL-specific terminology vertidrome is introduced.

12 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a software system supporting seniors' physical activity (PA) by applying a framework of methods from software requirements engineering (RE) to elicit and analyze needs and requirements of users and stakeholders, as well as the context in which the system should be used.

7 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reviewed and in depth analyzed the risks and opportunities of jeopardizing the sustainability of the military tactical clouds at their cyber edge. And they formalized the Tactical Denial of Sustainability (TDoS) concept and introduced the phasing, potential attack surfaces, terrains and impact of TDoS attacks.

4 citations



Proceedings ArticleDOI
06 Mar 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, a reference implementation architecture based on deterministic and automated decision-making is presented to ensure the operational safety of UAS missions and lays the foundation of a modular flight management framework which is able to handle multiple hazard scenarios with different levels of automation.
Abstract: The rapidly expanding adoption of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for various applications warrants increasing importance of the adequate handling of off-nominal flight conditions. Strategies for contingency management have been explored in previous studies and have been identified as a necessary component in unmanned air traffic management (UTM). However, the integration of comprehensive contingency measures into the tactical management of UAS flights has not been widely addressed so far. This paper presents a reference implementation architecture based on deterministic and automated decision-making. The architecture contributes towards ensuring the operational safety of UAS missions and lays the foundation of a modular flight management framework which is able to handle multiple hazard scenarios with different levels of automation. Following a risk-based approach and considering the ongoing development of technologies that support contingency management in an UTM environment, a concept of operations is developed. In order to cover a wide range of off-nominal scenarios and to ensure seamless flow of information, a functional analysis of the system design and interfaces is performed. Moreover, an initial model of quantitative risk assessment is incorporated in the decision-making process to facilitate the resolution of contingency scenarios. Functional requirements are then formulated for a real-time onboard implementation and used for the design of the reference architecture. The requirements are refined through expert consultation and the novel advanced capabilities of the decision-making process are implemented in the open-source autopilot and flight stack $\pmb{PX}\mathit{4}$ . The contingency management implementation is then tested using a real-time physics simulation environment. In particular, the suitability of a contingency procedure for landing on safe zones is evaluated through the simulation of an use case representing realistic operations in complex environments. Consideration of available UAS capabilities is identified as a key requirement in the development process of contingency management strategies. The results show that the reference architecture is technically feasible and suitable for further implementation of operational procedures towards fully autonomous contingency management.

3 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
20 Apr 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the conceptual description of the Tactical Separation System (TSS) which design is ongoing in the EU funded project COAST (Cost Optimized Avionics System), under the Clean Sky 2 research and development programme, is presented.
Abstract: This paper provides the conceptual description of the Tactical Separation System (TSS) which design is ongoing in the EU funded project COAST (Cost Optimized Avionics System), under the Clean Sky 2 research and development programme. The TSS is an ADS-B-based advanced self-separation system aimed to extend the traffic situational awareness and to provide the pilot with suggested manoeuvres aimed to maintain the required separation minima. It constitutes not only an enabler for single-pilot operations in SAT vehicles and for the implementation of the separation responsibility delegation to the flight segment in the future SESAR environment, but it also constitutes a step-forward in the framework of the development of Airborne Separation Assurance Systems (ASAS) for Small Aircraft. The TSS receives consolidated traffic picture (position and velocity of all tracks) from the ADS-B receiver and its own position and velocity from the GNSS receiver, all consolidated by dedicated traffic data processing application. Based on this overall information, the TSS perform its main assigned functions, i.e. Conflict Detection and Conflict Resolution. In the paper, a description is first reported of the overall TSS architecture and of its concept of operations. Based on that, an overview of each functionality implemented in the TSS is reported, namely with reference to: Coarse Filtering, Conflict Detection, Severity Assignment, Conflict Resolution and overall TSS Logic. Finally, the design process that is ongoing is outlined and the future developments are indicated.

3 citations


Proceedings ArticleDOI
06 Mar 2021
TL;DR: The Human Research Program's (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element adopted Systems Engineering principles and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to capture the system functions, system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and clinical capabilities for a future exploration medical system.
Abstract: NASA's Human Research Program's (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element adopted Systems Engineering (SE) principles and Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools to capture the system functions, system architecture, requirements, interfaces, and clinical capabilities for a future exploration medical system. There are many different stakeholders who may use the information in the model: systems engineers, clinicians (physicians, nurses, and pharmacists), scientists, and program managers. Many of these individuals do not have access to MBSE modeling tools or have never used these tools. Many of these individuals (clinicians, scientists, even program managers) may have no experience with SE in general let alone interpreting a systems model. The challenge faced by ExMC was how to present the content in the model to non-modelers in a way they could understand with limited to no training in MBSE or the Systems Modeling Language (SysML) without using the modeling tool. Therefore, from the model, ExMC created an HTML report that is accessible to anyone with a browser. When creating the HTML report, the ExMC SE team talked to stakeholders and received their feedback on what content they wanted and how to display this content. Factoring in feedback, the report arranges the content in a way that not only directs readers through the SE process taken to derive the requirements, but also helps them to understand the fundamental steps in an SE approach. The report includes links to source information (i.e., NASA documentation that describes levels of care) and other SE deliverables (e.g., Concept of Operations). These links were provided to aid in the understanding of how the team created this content through a methodical SE approach. This paper outlines the process used to develop the model, the data chosen to share with stakeholders, many of the model elements used in the report, the review process stakeholders followed, the comments received from the stakeholders, and the lessons ExMC learned through producing this HTML report.

3 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A state-of-the-art review of all the developments, standards and regulations associated with the use of major unmanned aircraft systems under development is presented, assessing operational scenarios for autonomous urban air mobility.
Abstract: A state-of-the-art review of all the developments, standards and regulations associated with the use of major unmanned aircraft systems under development is presented. Requirements and constraints are identified by evaluating technologies specific to urban air mobility, considering equivalent levels of safety required by current and future civil aviation standards. Strategies, technologies and lessons learnt from remotely piloted aviation and novel unmanned traffic management systems are taken as the starting point to assess operational scenarios for autonomous urban air mobility.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a bipartite network is proposed to support organizations in building a prototype business process improvement plan through an evidence-based approach to make the most of the available information and knowledge.

Book ChapterDOI
01 Jan 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, a distributed test, track, and trace system for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic revealed that many countries had insufficient strategies to conduct test, tracking and trace of the viral transmission once infected people entered a country's borders.
Abstract: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic revealed that many countries had insufficient strategies to conduct test, track, and trace of the viral transmission once infected people entered a country’s borders. Computer science could be used to understand the seats of infection, and hotspots that may fuel potential outbreaks. As well as the added benefit of steering on-the-ground epidemiological surveillance activities to contain further outbreaks. However, there is more to a computerized solution than an architectural design of an end-to-end distributed test, track, and trace system and its use of machine learning technologies. A successful implementation encompasses a number of key areas that include people, processes, and technology. Comparisons are drawn with cyber security operations center use-cases in support of a strategy and concept of operations to enable: (a) front-end test teams at the border chokepoints to collect test samples; (b) cloud processing of test subject records and laboratory test results; (c) emergency operations center containment monitoring; (d) data analysis of test subject groupings to identify hotspot areas; (e) use of epidemiological trends to direct further testing; and (f) conduct epidemiological monitoring to detect new chains of transmission.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
03 Oct 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present an analysis framework to analyze the varying levels of automation as well as the human automation roles and interactions to achieve an adaptable, repeatable, and reusable process for approvals and oversight.
Abstract: New aircraft types ranging from semi-autonomous to fully autonomous aircraft are envisioned for passenger and cargo transport operations. They present innumerable integration challenges, foremost among them pertaining to human automation roles and interactions. Both the FAA Urban Air Mobility (UAM) Concept of Operations (CONOPS) and NASA UAM CONOPS present incremental paths to fully integrated operations that assume initial operations are conducted using highly autonomous aircraft with a pilot on board using existing rules, regulations, systems, and infrastructure. In this paper we present an analysis framework to analyze the varying levels of automation as well as the human automation roles and interactions to achieve an adaptable, repeatable, and reusable process for approvals and oversight. Designing displays, systems and tools considering current and future needs will be not only beneficial but essential for integrated operations.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
15 Apr 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a methodology to leverage ISO 26262 methodologies, which are well-established in the automotive industry, to handle significant operational complexity and develop a Concept of Operations (ConOps) defining operational modes.
Abstract: ISO 26262 is a tailored functional safety specification for electrical and electronic systems in passenger vehicles. Typical passenger vehicles have one controlling agent (the driver) and typically utilize simple fail-safe behaviors to notify the driver of significant system faults, such as activating a warning light. Developing advanced safety systems, with the ultimate goal of achieving Level 5 autonomy, has created a need to develop operationally complex passenger vehicles to test self-driving technology. One example of such a system is a Dual-Cockpit vehicle that has been specifically designed to enable human factors research for TRI’s Guardian system. Toyota Guardian anticipates or identifies a pending incident and seamlessly intervenes to assist the human driver to form a mobility teammate.This paper presents a methodology to leverage ISO 26262 methodologies, which are well-established in the automotive industry, to be able to handle significant operational complexity. The methodology develops a Concept of Operations (ConOps) defining operational modes. Vehicle-level behaviors are then defined to achieve a safe state across all operational modes defined in the ConOps. The safe state behaviors are integrated into ISO 26262 work products such as the HazOp, HARA, and Functional Safety Concept, including Functional Safety Requirements. This generalized methodology: 1. facilitates systematic analysis of control authority arbitrations between multiple independent controlling agents, 2. helps ensure sufficient system redundancy across all operational modes, and 3. develops appropriate responses to bring the vehicle to a safe state in each operational mode. The methodology can be adapted to other complex systems with ease.

Book ChapterDOI
22 Jun 2021

Proceedings ArticleDOI
03 Oct 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual framework for Level of Autonomy (LoA) based concept of operations (ConOps) is proposed, which includes the definition and evaluation of LoA and the investigation opportunities of enabling UAS operation at various LoA via case studies.
Abstract: The utility of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is growing fast in recent years with applications like parcel delivery and security patrol. However, most of the current applications require the involvement of human operator, posing challenges for large-scale UAS deployment due to the operator’s and air traffic control officer’s (ATCO) limited cognitive capability to control and monitor the traffic. Autonomous UAS operation that reduces the operator and ATCO workload could be a promising solution to meet that challenge. The main aim of this paper, therefore, is to propose a conceptual framework for Level of Autonomy (LoA) based concept of operations (ConOps). The discussion includes the definition and evaluation of LoA and the investigation opportunities of enabling UAS operation at various LoA via case studies. This could be further extended for mixed operation with vehicles of multiple LoA. The framework is presented around core factors defining levels of autonomy for UAS and character for each level in terms of operational actions. Two use cases involving scheduled parcel delivery and non-scheduled emergency operation are presented to demonstrate the evaluation of LoA for a given operation. The proposed framework could serve to identify opportunities for research and engineering development of UAS operations in urban environments.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
03 Oct 2021
TL;DR: In this article, a broad approach for identifying SFCs involving technology trends in research, assessment of known and unknown risks in safety reports, and causal and contributing factors in aviation accidents and incidents is presented.
Abstract: Assuring safety in the NAS with the inclusion of new entrants that are part of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will require overcoming unique safety challenges that result from combining innovative technologies with novel airspace concepts for moving people and cargo using semi-autonomous/autonomous vehicles. Overcoming these AAM safety assurance challenges is the focus of the In-time Aviation Safety Management System (IASMS). The IASMS Concept of Operations (ConOps) describes an interconnected set of services, functions, and capabilities (SFCs) designed to manage operational risks, identify unknown risks, and inform system design to mitigate risk. This paper describes a broad approach for identifying SFCs involving technology trends in research, assessment of known and unknown risks in safety reports, and causal and contributing factors in aviation accidents and incidents. This approach leverages these sources to identify potential SFCs that enable the Monitor, Assess, and Mitigate (M-A-M) functionality that represents the enabling framework of the IASMS.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
27 May 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of Smart Parking Garage (SPG) is formally introduced, which is a garage that makes use of sensors, dynamic message signs, smartphone applications, and a computer server connected to form a smart system.
Abstract: In this paper, the concept of Smart Parking Garage (SPG) is formally introduced. The SPG is a garage that makes use of sensors, dynamic message signs, smartphone applications, and a computer server connected to form a smart system. The concept of operations, including functional requirements, equipment, relationships with the U.S. National Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) architecture, and a typical use case of an SPG are described. To assess the benefit of an SPG compared to a conventional garage, a five-level garage was selected, and the search times to park in 22 selected spaces were measured by a test vehicle. The results showed that SPG reduced the median search time by 35 seconds. The level of service improved from an approximately equal split of As and Bs to all As. The economic benefit of SPG is also illustrated through an example.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study simulated remote rover operations that assessed crew workload, crew situation awareness, robot asset acquisition, task sequence success, system issues, and rover performance and indicated interactive monitoring is an effective strategy for crew-centric surface telerobotics.

Book ChapterDOI
25 Jul 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the strategy and use of a full-scope and reduced-scope simulator in a comprehensive research approach to develop the concept of operations in nuclear power plants.
Abstract: Simulators serve as a valuable human factors research tool for control room modernization as nuclear power plants continue to upgrade their analog technology with digital equivalents. Beyond upgrades, plants are beginning to explore alternative concepts of operation including using their thermal output for chemical processes. These upgrades represent more substantial plant modifications and mandate new human factors techniques to develop and evaluate the HSIs, procedures, and operations required to control the new systems. This paper describes the strategy and use of a full-scope and reduced-scope simulator in a comprehensive research approach to develop the concept of operations. Specifically, the full-scope simulator serves as a means to extract invaluable operational knowledge from operators and the reduced-scope simulator, namely the Rancor microworld, serves as a means to address targeted human factors issues and is sufficiently flexible to be more easily integrated with small scale physical test beds than the full-scope counterpart.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a concept for an unattended swarm of solar powered, unmanned hydroplanes is proposed to increase the monitored sea area while minimizing human resource demand, and a microscopic, multi-agent-based simulation model is developed.
Abstract: For the crews and assets of the European Union’s (EU’s) Joint Operations available today, but a vast area in the Mediterranean Sea to monitor, detection of small boats and rafts in distress can take up to several days or even fail at all. This study aims to outline how an energy-autonomous swarm of Unmanned Aerial System can help to increase the monitored sea area while minimizing human resource demand.,A concept for an unattended swarm of solar powered, unmanned hydroplanes is proposed. A swarm operations concept, vehicle conceptual design and an initial vehicle sizing method is derived. A microscopic, multi-agent-based simulation model is developed. System characteristics and surveillance performance is investigated in this delimited environment number of vehicles scale. Parameter variations in insolation, overcast and system design are used to predict system characteristics. The results are finally used for a scale-up study on a macroscopic level.,Miniaturization of subsystems is found to be essential for energy balance, whereas power consumption of subsystems is identified to define minimum vehicle size. Seasonal variations of solar insolation are observed to dominate the available energy budget. Thus, swarm density and activity adaption to solar energy supply is found to be a key element to maintain continuous aerial surveillance.,This research was conducted extra-occupationally. Resources were limited to the available range of literature, computational power number and time budget.,A proposal for a probable concept of operations, as well as vehicle preliminary design for an unmanned energy-autonomous, multi-vehicle system for maritime surveillance tasks, are presented and discussed. Indications on path planning, communication link and vehicle interaction scheme selection are given. Vehicle design drivers are identified and optimization of parameters with significant impact on the swarm system is shown.,The proposed system can help to accelerate the detection of ships in distress, increasing the effectiveness of life-saving rescue missions.,For continuous surveillance of expanded mission theatres by small-sized vehicles of limited endurance, a novel, collaborative swarming approach applying in situ resource utilization is explored.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
14 Jun 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate a portion of the UAV system using a set of autonomous algorithms for flight plan de-confliction, and conclude that the autonomy algorithms used for path planning, strategic deconfliction and detect and avoid are capable of scaling to high-congestion scenarios.
Abstract: Currently, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) is the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) vision for air traffic management below 400 feet. Production UTM systems tend to reside only at specialized test sites and operational centers. UTM has been articulated as a concept of operation (ConOps) by the FAA. The UTM ConOps describes a complex interaction between UAS, UAS Operators, and the UTM system itself. These interactions may involve human operators, or be fully automated. Currently, most UTM studies and experimental prototypes do not look at the UTM concept from end-to-end; instead, they focus on specific aspects of UTM and thus cannot explore and test the holistic performance of a UTM ecosystem. Equally important is ensuring that production UTM can scale to meet the demands of future airspace, which is estimated to be 65,000 UAS operations (takeoffs and landings) per hour by 2035. The busiest US airports currently handle 300 operations per hour.In this paper, we evaluate a portion of the UTM system using a set of autonomous algorithms for flight plan de-confliction. Preliminary results suggest that the autonomy algorithms used for path planning, strategic de-confliction, and detect and avoid (DAA) are capable of scaling to high-congestion scenarios while drastically reducing collisions between UAS, even with almost all UAS deviating from de-conflicted plans (i.e., rogue UAS). We also observed that de-confliction algorithms represent a dominating safety layer in the separation hierarchy, since the strategic de-confliction algorithms manage airspace density, albeit at the cost of longer mission completion times. Our testing was done using a MATLAB simulator, which used the RRT* algorithm for flight planning, two different schedulers (Genetic Algorithm and the NASA Stratway Strategic Conflict Resolution algorithm) for strategic de-confliction, and the Airborne Collision Avoidance System for small unmanned aircraft systems (ACAS sXu) for DAA.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
06 Mar 2021
TL;DR: In this paper, an overview of the operational capabilities of the Gateway Spacecraft Inter-Element Network defined in the Network Concept of Operations, focusing on the initial architecture of the gateway spacecraft inter-element network is presented.
Abstract: By harnessing data handling lessons learned from the International Space Station, Gateway has adopted a highly reliable, deterministic, and redundant three-plane Time-Triggered Ethernet network implementation that is capable of handling three distinct types of traffic: Time-Triggered (TT), Rate Constrained (RC) and Best Effort (BE). This paper will offer an overview of the operational capabilities of the Gateway Network defined in the Network Concept of Operations, focusing on the initial architecture of the Gateway Spacecraft Inter-Element Network. The initial Gateway modules include Habitation, Power & Propulsion, Logistics, Human Lunar Lander, and Orion Crew Capsule. The Gateway Inter-Element Network Concept of Operations is a source for the network functions, which in turn inform the design, development, implementation, testing, and verification of the spacecraft hardware. End system hardware on the network includes, but is not limited to, a mobile robotic arm, internal and external cameras, flight control hardware, environmental control systems, power and propulsion systems, critical alarms, telemetry, and payloads, in addition to any hardware present on a visiting vehicle or lunar exploration vehicle. This paper will also provide an overview of how the design and operations of the Gateway Avionics network are defined by the Gateway Program design and safety requirements. Implementation of avionics and command and data handling strategy will provide the Gateway program with reliable infrastructures that allow operational options for both human control while occupied, and highly autonomous control during periods of vacancy. The Gateway Avionics network architecture will be able to handle seamless in-flight reconfigurations and expansion as new modules and the capability to interface with additional visiting vehicles are added.

Book ChapterDOI
13 Jun 2021
TL;DR: The present work replies to the call for a human-centered research agenda by providing a systematic review of the literature for one of the most-widely researched concepts of SPO: the dedicated-support concept, which is also known as harbor pilot concept.
Abstract: Single pilot operations (SPO) for airliners represent the evolutionary cockpit crew development for future aviation. The present work replies to the call for a human-centered research agenda by providing a systematic review of the literature for one of the most-widely researched concepts of SPO: the dedicated-support concept, which is also known as harbor pilot concept. Accordingly, a remote-copilot supports a single-piloted aircraft to alleviate high workload that can occur during nominal, off-nominal, and emergency situations. All studies of a recently published systematic literature review on SPO [1] were coded according to the categories of type of article, concept of operation, and method. The studies on the concept under analysis were systematically reviewed further to evaluate their contribution to its current state in human-centered design according to ISO 9241-210. The theoretical foundations of such SPO are elaborated in detail in modeling studies and accident analyses whereas empirical evaluation of design solutions has been started only in a few studies. Nonetheless, workload seems consistently be able to be distributed in a comparable range as in nowadays flight operations. In the end, the dedicated support concept of SPO is at early stages in the human-centered design process.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) template is proposed to guide the collaborative development and implementation of DR2 among academic public health and public health agencies, informed by previous literature, semi-structured interviews with disaster researchers from academic public Health across the United States, and discussion groups with public health practitioners.
Abstract: Research conducted in the context of a disaster or public health emergency is essential to improve knowledge about its short- and long-term health consequences, as well as the implementation and effectiveness of response and recovery strategies. Integrated approaches to conducting Disaster Research Response (DR2) can answer scientific questions, while also providing attendant value for operational response and recovery. Here, we propose a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) template to guide the collaborative development and implementation of DR2 among academic public health and public health agencies, informed by previous literature, semi-structured interviews with disaster researchers from academic public health across the United States, and discussion groups with public health practitioners. The proposed CONOPS outlines actionable strategies to address DR2 issues before, during, and after disasters for public health scholars and practitioners who seek to operationalize or enhance their DR2 programs. Additional financial and human resources will be necessary to promote widespread implementation of collaborative DR2 programs.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
29 Jul 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the feasibility study of a Dock to Dock (D2D) use case, combining aspects of route development and infrastructure definition, for the transport of goods in South West England and South Wales is presented.
Abstract: Novel modes of transport form the basis of environmentally friendly and economically efficient transport system of the future. This paper introduces the feasibility study of a Dock to Dock (D2D) use case, combining aspects of route development and infrastructure definition, for the transport of goods in South West England and South Wales. The proposed system makes use of new, more flexible and environmentally friendly means of transport, such as electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and electric Autonomous ZeroEmission (eAZE) vessels. To meet the environmental targets set out for the transport sector, the use of alternative hydrogen- based fuels is investigated for air, surface and marine vehicles. Logistics, regulations and infrastructure required for the safe and efficient production and distribution of such low-emission energy vectors is also considered. Digital twin of the system is proposed to study its safety and viability, while the analysis of energy requirements is proposed to inform policy makers and define the necessary infrastructure to meet future emission-free transport energy needs.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
03 Oct 2021
TL;DR: In this article, a virtual workshop with representatives of Public Protection Disaster Relief (PPDR) organizations was organized to analyze the current challenges and needs of first response organizations related to deploying UAVs in disaster areas.
Abstract: In recent years, the number of natural disasters has increased. In order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of first response operations, novel and disruptive technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are increasingly being used. However, integrating UAS operations into the existing national airspace system is challenging. Despite various initiatives for developing a concept of operations for UAS operated in very low-level airspace, such as the European U-space concept and the FAA Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) concept, the specific needs and requirements for first response operations, supported by UAS, are barely considered. Neither of the proposed concepts reflect the specific considerations, rules or regulations for UAS operations conducted by emergency response organizations. Both, the U-Space and the FAA UTM concepts, do not conceptually assist UAS operations for first response missions. In order to address the aforementioned regulatory gap, this study analyzes the current challenges and needs of first response organizations related to deploying UAS in disaster areas. For this purpose, a virtual workshop with representatives of Public Protection Disaster Relief (PPDR) organizations was organized. The workshop followed a structured approach to acquire information on the aforementioned challenges and needs of first responders. Based on the results of the workshop, multiple bilateral online meetings were organized in order to develop an Operational Event Sequence Diagram (OESD) for a specific first response missions with representatives of a PPDR organization from the advisory board of the RESPONDRONE project. From the results of the workshops and the online meetings, the needs, requirements and specifications for a conceptual framework to integrate first response UAS operations into the existing airspace system were derived. First results show that specifically other air traffic in the disaster area poses a threat to UAS missions operated by first responders and that the communication and coordination with the first responder headquarters is challenging. Furthermore, the OESDs revealed that specific functions such as supervision of UAS safety conditions or monitoring airspace safety could be performed in an automated manner by a future traffic management system. In a next step, a conceptual framework supporting first response UAS operations, called integrated Crisis Traffic Management (iCTM), is discussed. The concept aims to define specific rules and automate certain identified functions for emergency UAS as well as outline a concept for integrating first response UAS operations with other air traffic, such as rescue helicopters, within the disaster area.

Proceedings ArticleDOI
06 Mar 2021
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a crewed landing craft for missions to celestial bodies with little to no atmosphere, which is the result of analysis on the future of lunar surface operations, logistics, and the concept of operations involving lunar hopper vehicles.
Abstract: This study introduces a crewed landing craft for missions to celestial bodies with little to no atmosphere. The design is the result of analysis on the future of lunar surface operations, logistics, and the concept of operations involving lunar hopper vehicles. The proposed system can deploy equipment and conduct operations while sustaining a crew of ten people for up to 120 days. The vehicle launches as a payload from the SpaceX Starship. The design's function and simplicity enable high volume production while meeting the rigorous technical and quality standards for human spaceflight. The study provides top-down analysis of the design requirements and tracks the fulfillment of those requirements. The architecture analysis reviews commercial, military, and scientific expeditionary logistics functions and outlines the appropriate parallel requirements for lunar surface operations. Primary spacecraft design requirements are derived and extrapolated from NASA's NextSTEP-2 Appendix H: Human Lander System and other proven flight systems. Results from a survey of requirements from end users specializing in mining, excavation, and in-situ resource utilization are presented and the results incorporated into the design. Among the proposed solutions are arguments for designing for multiple fuel types to be used by a single propulsion system, expanding the CubeSat standard for facilitating physical interfaces between systems within a spacecraft. The study concludes with the final design proposal and a way ahead to deliver a spacecraft capable of responding to national initiatives for lunar surface exploration, innovation, and utilization. The result is a relatively low-cost system capable of entering production today for use by government customers and private industry, especially the mining, excavation, and construction industries.

Book ChapterDOI
25 Jul 2021
TL;DR: In this article, a framework for incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) tools into MBSE practices in order to develop "true" model centric approach is proposed, which consists of a System Model built using SysML, VR tool (Unity 3D), scripting languages and System data sources.
Abstract: Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an ever-growing philosophy in order to develop, manage and sustain the increasingly complex systems. In present practice, MBSE is overwhelmingly replacing document centric approach by model centric approach. Most widely used MBSE language is the “Systems Modeling Language (SysML)”, which follows Object Oriented Systems Engineering Methodology (OOSEM). Most MBSE approaches including SysML leverages static viewpoints and limited simulation capability to create and analyze a system model. Now, SysML as a MBSE language is matured enough to incorporate widespread dynamic modeling and simulation into MBSE practices. Virtual Reality can play an important role on creating dynamic MBSE approaches. This research work has proposed a framework for incorporating Virtual Reality (VR) tools into MBSE practices in order to develop “true” model centric approach. The framework consists of a System Model built using SysML, VR tool (Unity 3D), scripting languages and System data sources. SysML diagrams can represent Requirements, Use Cases, Concept of Operations, System Architecture, System Behaviors, Parametric analysis of a System of Interest (SOI) in the System Model. The framework will facilitate dynamic simulation of the system being described in the System model. VR tools can visualize the use case scenarios and simulate the behaviors of the system described in the Model. This framework will also facilitate automatic requirements verification through interactive VR environment. The system model is fed into the VR environment for the analysis of the proposed system architecture, use cases and requirements. Based on the VR environment simulation results, modifications are incorporated into the System Model. The integration of VR tool with the SysML System Model (which acts as a source of truth) is performed with the aid of scripting languages. Moreover, a System Data source will support both the model and VR environment simulation. Finally, the research paper has mentioned few implications to implement the framework and proposed possible solutions.