Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, in a computer-based airspace monitoring system, airspace information from a plurality of different sources via a plurality of different communication networks, receiving, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, a first flightpath parameter from a first aircraft at a first point in time, wherein the first flightpath parameter comprises at least one of a three-dimensional position parameter, a flight trajectory parameter, or a speed parameter, establishing, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, a first defined airspace in a region proximate the first aircraft, processing, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, the airspace information for the first defined airspace based on the first position parameter received from the first aircraft to define a first data set of airspace information relevant to the first aircraft, and transmitting the first dataset of airspace information from the computer-based airspace monitoring system to the

Abstract: According to an embodiment herein, a method of predicting a trajectory of an aerospace vehicle comprises accessing an observation of a state of the vehicle from sensor data; and using a computing system to predict different possible future positions and attitudes of the vehicle, including using the sensor data and associated latencies to determine a set of vehicle state transitions. Each state transition in the set is computed as a function of estimated latency. The method further comprises using the computing system to update a prior distribution of the vehicle state with the state transitions. Consequently, the predicted trajectory is compensated for latency.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, in a computer-based airspace monitoring system, airspace information from a plurality of different sources via a plurality of different communication networks, receiving, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, a first flightpath parameter from a first aircraft at a first point in time, wherein the first flightpath parameter comprises at least one of a three-dimensional position parameter, a flight trajectory parameter, or a speed parameter, establishing, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, a first defined airspace in a region proximate the first aircraft, processing, in the computer-based airspace monitoring system, the airspace information for the first defined airspace based on the first position parameter received from the first aircraft to define a first data set of airspace information relevant to the first aircraft, and transmitting the first dataset of airspace information from the computer-based airspace monitoring system to the

Abstract: A separation management system includes a data input module for receiving and filtering aircraft information and airspace information related to a control aircraft and a relevant aircraft, the aircraft information enabling the calculation of a trajectory window for each aircraft. A conflict monitoring module may be included in the system for monitoring the trajectory window for each aircraft with respect to time and probabilistic location, the conflict monitoring module determining when a trajectory overlap occurs resulting from the intersection of the trajectory window for the control aircraft and the relevant aircraft. In addition, the system may include a separation routing module for rerouting the control aircraft when a trajectory overlap for the control aircraft is detected by the conflict monitoring module.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for tracking of objects, aircraft, vehicles, and ground equipment in a tracking area, such as an airspace and/or an airport terminal area. One embodiment of a tracking system of the present disclosure comprises a signal monitoring component adapted to communicate with an object, such as an aircraft, when the object enters the tracking area. The signal monitoring component is adapted to transmit a monopulse beacon query signal to the object and receive a monopulse beacon response signal from the object. The tracking system further comprises an interface component adapted to process the received monopulse beacon response signal from the object, initialize a beacon transponder on the object, and assign a network address to the object.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for tracking of objects, aircraft, vehicles, and ground equipment in a tracking area, such as an airspace and/or an airport terminal area. One embodiment of a tracking system of the present disclosure comprises a signal monitoring component adapted to communicate with an object, such as an aircraft, when the object enters the tracking area. The signal monitoring component is adapted to transmit a monopulse beacon query signal to the object and receive a monopulse beacon response signal from the object. The tracking system further comprises an interface component adapted to process the received monopulse beacon response signal from the object, initialize a beacon transponder on the object, and assign a network address to the object.

Abstract: According to an embodiment herein, a method of predicting a trajectory of an aerospace vehicle comprises accessing an observation of a state of the vehicle from sensor data; and using a computing system to predict different possible future positions and attitudes of the vehicle, including using the sensor data and associated latencies to determine a set of vehicle state transitions. Each state transition in the set is computed as a function of estimated latency. The method further comprises using the computing system to update a prior distribution of the vehicle state with the state transitions. Consequently, the predicted trajectory is compensated for latency.

Abstract: Providing separation management of vehicles is disclosed. In an embodiment, a separation management system includes a data input module for receiving and filtering aircraft information and airspace information related to a control aircraft and a relevant aircraft, the aircraft information enabling the calculation of a trajectory window for each aircraft. A conflict monitoring module may be included in the system for monitoring the trajectory window for each aircraft with respect to time and probabilistic location, the conflict monitoring module determining when a trajectory overlap occurs resulting from the intersection of the trajectory window for the control aircraft and the relevant aircraft. In addition, the system may include a separation routing module for rerouting the control aircraft when a trajectory overlap for the control aircraft is detected by the conflict monitoring module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for representing a flight vehicle in a controlled environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system comprises a communications link that extends between a ground-based facility and at least one flight vehicle operating within the controlled environment that is operable to communicate trajectory data between the ground-based facility and the at least one flight vehicle, and a processor configured to generate the trajectory data.

Abstract: A rotary SMA actuator includes an SMA assembly having a plurality of grooves formed therein to form a plurality of concentrically arranged SMA tubes. A heater element is disposed against an input end of the SMA tubes and generates heat when electrical current is applied thereto. The heat is used to heat the SMA tubes, which causes an angular deflection of each of the tubes at an output end thereof. An innermost one of the SMA tubes is used as an output member and its angular deflection is the sum of the angular deflections of all of the SMA tubes. The actuator is of a smaller size and lighter weight than electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators of comparable torque output. The actuator also provides greater deflection capability than similarly sized SMA type actuators that do not employ concentric tubes.