NASA wants to use drones in firefighting in the future. What is the ACERO program and how could it be applied?
NASA’s STEEL program aims to improve coordination in firefighting. Image: NASA
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If you were asked about the main functions of NASA, you would very possibly answer that it is a body that focuses on space research, right? In a certain sense, the answer would be correct, but insufficient. Oddly enough, to understand what NASA is, it is necessary to know to what extent programs are being developed to improve ecosystems in half the world
NASA has used the knowledge acquired over the years to carry out all kinds of related work in various fields. One of the most interesting projects that is being carried out is the so-called Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (STEEL). This is research whose main objective is to improve the performance of interventions related to firefighting. We are, without a doubt, before a differential proposal.
Saving forests in the presence of fires is a task that generally involves ground and air operations. Coordination is not always easy, so the technology available to NASA could contribute to better information management. This would be possible thanks to the provision of a series of droneswhich would operate in the air together with other means, such as specific planes and helicopters.
The ACERO project and its work in firefighting
Coordination, when putting out an uncontrolled fire, is of vital importance. After all, the relationship between the body of land and air must be very close to see at what exact moment action must be taken. Fires are very harmful to the environment, since they contribute significantly to global warming and, at the same time, eliminate a key element in the formation of oxygen. For this reason, it is essential establish a connection between the different own tools in its extinction.
The pilot project is being developed in the Ames Research Center from the agency in Silicon Valley, California. From there, the program to improve communication between ground and air teams to proceed with firefighting is being developed. Thanks to this innovative system in which state-of-the-art drones are used, it would be possible to save millions of hectares from burning in the medium term. We are, without a doubt, facing one of NASA’s most interesting projects due to the implications it may have in the future.
Currently, the use of air services is very limited when it comes to putting out a fire. After all, smoke can significantly limit visibility, so sometimes there is no risk of a possible collision between aircraft. This improvement in communication through drones, according to NASA, would facilitate operations in a very noticeable way. In fact, thanks to this proposal, it would be possible to have the useful response of a differential intervention team.
In the same way, we would be talking about a technology that would meet the goal of zero emissions in aviation formulated by the United States for the year 2050, since the drones have completely non-polluting electrical equipment. Currently, the first programs and tests are being developed, so this new way of operating against fires could be a reality in, perhaps, a few years. Will this new technology be applied exclusively in the United States or will other countries take advantage of the success achieved?
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Founder Dwight D Eisenhower Foundation date 07-29-1958 Alternative name National Aeronautics and Space Administration Number of employees 18000
