FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30 , 2025

La Selva Beach, CA — In a significant milestone for wildfire response innovation, NASA Ames, Langley, and Glenn research teams partnered with AirSpace Integration, Overwatch Aero, and Metis Technology Solutions to conduct successful shake-down tests of NASA’s new Portable Airspace Management (PAM) systems. The event, held at AirSpace Integration’s facilities at the Monterey Bay Academy in La Selva Beach, Santa Cruz County, demonstrated the system’s capacity to revolutionize aerial wildfire suppression operations, including during second-shift scenarios.

The shake-down tests included functional checks of six PAM systems, two radio communication sets, and four unmanned aerial systems (UAS) across 12 scenarios. These tests are a crucial step in preparing for the flight evaluation of NASA’s first Technical Capability Level-1 (TCL-1) under the Advanced Capability for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project, set to launch in spring 2025.

“This event showcased the tremendous potential of UAS test sites for supporting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems,” said Chris Bley, founder of AirSpace Integration and co-founder of DART (Drones, Automation, and Robotics Technology). “It is an honor to work with NASA and our industry partners on this important initiative. We look forward to continuing this collaboration in spring 2025 as we move closer to enhancing emergency response capabilities nationwide.”

The PAM system is designed to improve the coordination of aerial assets in emergency response scenarios, such as wildfire suppression. By leveraging advanced communication and management tools, the system ensures more efficient use of resources, ultimately saving lives, property, and natural ecosystems.

The tests yielded critical lessons that will refine the PAM systems and enhance operational readiness for the ACERO project’s next phase. This collaboration underscores the Monterey Bay region’s growing prominence as a hub for innovation in aerospace and emergency management technologies.

For more information about DART and its initiatives, visit mbdart.org.

Media Contact:
Chris Bley
Co-Founder
DART

(831) 200-1969
chris@mbdart.org

About DART

DART (mbdart.org) is a public-benefit organization dedicated to advancing California’s UAS and AAM industries for equitable access to quality jobs and thriving communities. Through strategic partnerships with companies, government agencies, community-based organizations, and educational institutions, DART acts as a catalyst for designing, implementing, and scaling sustainable solutions. By addressing key challenges in workforce training, resource accessibility, infrastructure development, and stakeholder collaboration, DART is building a strong foundation for an inclusive and thriving economic future for our communities and the entire state of California.