SESAR JU Executive Director Florian Guillermet discusses U-Space plan at SESAR JU workshop. Photo: SESAR JU.
The Single European Sky ATM Research Joint Undertaking (SESAR JU) is working on a new air traffic management (ATM) concept for commercially operated drones called “U- Space.” According to a draft blueprint for U-Space, the system would enable complex drone operations with a high degree of automation in all types of operational environments, particularly in an urban context.
When fully deployed, SESAR JU says, U-Space would enable “a wide range of drone missions that are currently being restricted.” SESAR JU describes U-Space as featuring an online registration system, flight planning and flight approval as well as tracking and recording and playback capabilities for civil and commercial drone operations such as bridge inspections and medical assets delivery.
The U-Space blueprint is expected to be finalized and delivered to the European Commission by May 2017.