Unmanned aircraft are a booming industry, with NASA bringing cutting-edge technology to the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County.

Stennis and Skydweller Aero have reached an agreement for Skydweller to operate its solar-powered autonomous aircraft in the space center’s restricted airspace.

This is one of the NASA center’s strategic goals, officials said in a news release.

“There are few places like NASA Stennis that provide a secure location, restricted airspace and the infrastructure to test and operate a variety of unmanned systems,” said Stennis Director John Bailey. “Fire Operations is a critical area of ​​focus as we adapt to the changing aerospace and technology landscape to expand into the future. »

THE restricted airspace covers over 100 square miles and up to 6,000 feet in height for unmanned aircraft. The height for propulsion testing and other operations is 12,000 feet, according to NASA.

The agreement stems from the Reimbursable Space Act and marks the first between the Stennis Space Center and a commercial company that takes advantage of the center’s ability to support the testing and operation of unmanned systems.

Since the deal was finalized in late August, Skydweller Aero has begun test flights of its solar-powered, unmanned, autonomous aircraft, which features a wingspan greater than that of a 747 airliner. The aircraft is designed for long duration flights. Since October 1, Skydweller has completed an initial campaign of test flights, including two test excursions of 16 hours and 22.5 hours.

“Access to the restricted airspace above NASA Stennis has been extremely helpful to our autonomous and unmanned flight operations,” said Barry Matsumori, president and COO of Skydweller Aero. “The ability to use the controlled environment above Stennis helps accelerate our efforts, allowing us to move the aircraft in and out of civilian airspace while demonstrating its reliability and impeccable safety record to the FAA.”

To use Stennis Restricted Airspace, a company must conduct public, not private, flight operations. Skydweller Aero is working in association with the Ministry of Defense on the project.

“It really opens the door for other people to come here,” said Jason Peterson, NASA Stennis Range manager. “There are requirements that must be met, but for those who meet them, NASA Stennis is an ideal location for test and flight operations.”

The Stennis Space Center was established in 1961 to prepare the United States for space flight. Since then, he has been testing NASA rocket engines used in flight. In 1966, the FAA established restricted airspace at Stennis. The airspace was expanded in 2016 to allow the center to safely conduct propulsion tests and accommodate Ministry of Defense missions.

For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/stennis/stennis-range-operations/#contact-info.

Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and the Clarion Ledger. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on X @licibev Or Facebook has facebook.com/liciberidge.

This article was originally published on Hattiesburg American: MS Stennis Space Center tests unmanned aircraft