Media Invited to Learn about NASA's Project to Streamline Air Travel

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Jun 19, 2017, 17:55 ET

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Media are invited to watch a virtual presentation and briefing on NASA's Airspace Technology Demonstration 2 (ATD-2) Integrated Arrival / Departure / Surface Metroplex Traffic Management System at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, June 22. The project aims to streamline the arrival and departure of aircraft and improve surface operations to increase safety and efficiency and reduce fuel use in our nation's aviation system.

NASA, working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and private industry, is developing the technologies necessary to increase predictability of the air traffic systems, enhance operational efficiency, and improve travel across national, regional and local traffic management systems. ATD-2 will provide coordinated schedules between the ramp, tower, terminal and center control facilities, giving air traffic managers the tools necessary to make better decisions to reduce congestion.

In June 2016, NASA and its partners officially opened an ATD-2 laboratory at Charlotte Douglas International Airport as part of a five-year test project. NASA engineers have since used this laboratory to collaborate with FAA, air carrier and airport partners to prepare for the ATD-2 field demonstration scheduled to begin in October. At this time, the ATD-2 laboratory cannot support media visits, so the ATD-2 leadership has arranged this virtual opportunity to see the same data and tools that will be used in the field demonstration.

The virtual tour and presentation will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and will include a question and answer session. To participate, media should send an RSVP to [email protected] to receive log-in specifics.

ATD-2 will combine multiple concepts and technologies leveraging previous investments by NASA, the FAA and industry, including the FAA's three major operational decision support system technologies: Traffic Flow Management System, Time Based Flow Management and Terminal Flight Data Management.

For more information about ATD-2, including a video overview, visit:

https://aviationsystemsdivision.arc.nasa.gov/research/tactical/atd2.shtml

For information about NASA aeronautics, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/aeronautics

SOURCE NASA