NASA Airspace Systems Program Controls Research Areas and Anticipated Benefits

The NASA Airspace Systems Program conducts research on gate‐to‐gate concepts and technologies that contribute to the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Controls-related research areas span multiple air traffic domains and time horizons. Across this range, major areas of interest include demand/capacity balancing, separation assurance, and four-dimensional flight management systems. Each of these examples looks to apply enhanced controls techniques to complex airspace systems applications. Progress in these areas will lead to improved system capacity and efficiency, while also promoting user benefits and reducing environmental impact.