Und University And Grandsky Partner With Nasa To Develop Revolutionary Uas Weather Forecasting System

A cutting-edge collaboration between the University of North Dakota (UND) and GrandSKY has taken flight, courtesy of a NASA-funded project that aims to revolutionize Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) forecasting. The duo is on track to develop an ultra-accurate weather forecasting system, setting a new standard for safe airspace integration.

At the forefront of this innovative initiative is Dr. Mounir Chrit from UND’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. When asked about the project’s broader mission, Chrit emphasized that it’s not just about flying drones but rather providing well-calibrated systems that support decision-making under uncertainty in various mission-critical applications.

“By leveraging UAS-collected data, we’ll provide crucial insights and enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of UAS missions,” Chrit explained. “Our work will create a model for the future of aviation, paving the way for safer skies and more efficient drone operations.”

The collaboration aligns with NASA’s goal of integrating UAS into the national airspace system. By tapping into North Dakota’s thriving UAS infrastructure, located near Grand Forks Air Force Base, the team is poised to enhance safety and efficiency for commercial and research-driven drone operations.

GrandSKY, a leading UAS flight operations center in Grand Forks, plays a pivotal role in this partnership. The facility provides a testing ground for advanced UAS applications, facilitating research, development, and training for commercial and military stakeholders.

“UAS-collected data is essential to filling data gaps in the low-altitude atmosphere where most UAS flights take place,” noted Dr. Marwa Majdi, co-principal investigator of the NASA project at UND Aerospace Sciences. Tom Swoyer, President of GrandSKY, echoed Majdi’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of precise weather data for drone operations.

“The accuracy of weather information is paramount to various UAS industry stakeholders,” Swoyer said. “As the first large-scale commercial UAS test park in the nation, we’re committed to providing aircrews with the most accurate weather data possible.”

North Dakota’s status as a hub for UAS development is further solidified by this collaboration. The state continues to position itself at the forefront of drone technology, strengthening its reputation as the most drone-friendly place in the country.

“By leading this important part of UAS technology advancement, we’re not only driving innovation but also building a brighter future for our skies,” added Chrit. “The partnership with GrandSKY underscores North Dakota’s position as a leader in UAS development and sets us up for continued success.”

As the UAS industry continues to evolve, collaborations like this one will be crucial in shaping its future. With NASA funding supporting their efforts, UND and GrandSKY are poised to make significant strides in enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability of UAS operations.

The University of North Dakota Aerospace is a leading institution for aviation and aerospace research and education, offering advanced research opportunities, cutting-edge facilities, and extensive training in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

GrandSKY is a dedicated UAS flight operations center in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The 217-acre facility provides research, development, training, and testing for commercial and military drone applications.