As seen in this image, Terminal Sequencing and
Spacing technology enables air traffic controllers to better manage the spacing
between aircraft as they save both time and fuel and reducing emissions, flying
more efficient approaches into airports.
Image Credit:
NASA
A new NASA-developed computer software tool designed to aid air traffic
controllers was presented to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) during a
ceremony Monday at the agency's headquarters in Washington.
The Terminal Sequencing and Spacing (TSS) technology will enable air traffic
controllers to better manage the spacing between aircraft as they fly more
efficient approaches into airports, saving both time and fuel and reducing
emissions. TSS is the another step in NASA’s support of the development of a
Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, which is a joint
multi-agency and industry initiative to modernize and upgrade the nation's air
traffic control system.
"With TSS, NASA's aeronautics innovators have delivered to the FAA another
valuable tool that will soon benefit our environment, our economy and every
individual traveler," said Jaiwon Shin, NASA's associate administrator for
aeronautics research.
The software enables the routine use of what are called Performance Based
Navigation procedures, resulting in fewer course and altitude changes, while
also reducing the frequency of necessary communications between controllers and
pilots.
The TSS tool provides information to controllers about the speeds they should
assign to aircraft as they follow fuel-efficient, continuous-descent arrival
procedures while passing through a region of airspace surrounding an airport
called the TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control), covering a distance from an
airport of about 50 miles.
NASA's Airspace Systems Program, which is part of the agency's Aeronautics
Research Mission Directorate, began the research that led to the development of
TSS in 2009, with prototype development beginning in 2011. NASA used these
prototypes to test TSS in 16 high-fidelity simulations involving controllers and
pilots.
The FAA is working to implement the tool in the next five years, targeting an
initial operating capability around 2018. The initial site has not yet been
determined and implementation will depend on funding availability.
Through a highly effective technology transfer process enabled by the
NASA/FAA Research Transition Teams, NASA has delivered to the FAA three other
key software tools that enable more efficient air traffic and fuel savings.
For more information on NASA’s NextGen initiative, visit:
For more information about aeronautics research at NASA, visit:
NASA
Guillermo Gonzalo Sánchez Achuegui
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