ASTRAEA (Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation & Assessment) is a UK industry-led consortium focusing on the technologies, systems, facilities and procedures that will allow autonomous vehicles to operate safely and routinely in civil airspace over the United Kingdom.
The programme comprises two phases:
ASTRAEA I – 2006 to 2008
- Engaged with the regulators to understand the issues
- Developed appropriate technology to TRL 3+
- Culminated in an integrated SE demonstration of the art of the possible
- Created an internationally recognised position for the UK
ASTRAEA II – 2009 to 2013
- Agreed a process with the regulator to establish suitability of various engineering solutions from the safety perspective
- Created a process to identify and engage with potential UAS end users to establish more detailed and specific user requirements
- Progressing solutions through live flight trials
- Progress towards virtual certification