NASA’s Stennis Space Center has entered into a historic agreement with Skydweller Aero Inc. for the company to operate its solar-powered autonomous aircraft at the Bay St. Louis facility.
Through the Reimbursable Space Act agreement, NASA Stennis and the private aerospace company will utilize the south Mississippi center’s capabilities to support the testing and operation of uncrewed systems — a key step for both parties to achieve strategic goals.
“There are few locations like NASA Stennis that offer a secure location, restricted airspace, and the infrastructure to support testing and operation of various uncrewed systems,” NASA Stennis Director John Bailey said. “Range operations is a critical area of focus as we adapt to the changing aerospace and technology landscape to grow into the future.”
NASA Stennis and Skydweller Aero finalized the agreement in late August, paving the way for the company to begin area test flights on its aircraft, featuring a wingspan greater than a 747 jetliner. The aircraft is designed for long-duration flights.
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Skydweller announced on October 1 that it had completed an initial test flight campaign of the aircraft, including two test excursions totaling 16 and 22.5 hours.
Both parties began talks in the summer of 2023 when Skydweller expressed interest in utilizing NASA Stennis airspace for its all-carbon fiber aircraft. The NASA Stennis area fits the company’s needs well since it provides ready access from Stennis International Airport to the Gulf of Mexico area. NASA Stennis’ airspace also provides a level of privacy for aircraft testing and operation.
“Access to the restricted airspace above NASA Stennis has been tremendously helpful to our uncrewed, autonomous flight operations,” Skydweller Aero President and CEO Barry Matsumori said. “The opportunity to use the controlled environment above Stennis helps accelerate our efforts, allowing us to transition the aircraft in and out of civil airspace while demonstrating its reliability and unblemished safety record to the FAA.”
Companies must be conducting public aircraft operations to use any restricted airspace. In this instance, Skydweller Aero is flying its aircraft in association with the U.S. Department of Defense, allowing for the Reimbursable Space Act agreement with NASA Stennis.
According to a press release, the agreement provides the company with Federal Aviation Administration authorization for future test flights in designated areas of the NASA Stennis buffer zone. It also represents a key step in the center’s effort to grow its range operations presence.
“This really opens the door for others to come here,” NASA Stennis Range Officer Jason Peterson said. “There are requirements that must be met, but for those who meet them, NASA Stennis is an ideal location for test and flight operations.”
The FAA established restricted airspace at NASA Stennis in 1966 and approved its expansion in 2016. The expansion was necessary to conduct propulsion testing safely, accommodate U.S. Department of Defense missions, and support unmanned aerial systems activities.
Restricted airspace at NASA Stennis allows qualifying organizations to conduct various uncrewed flight activities. NASA Stennis personnel provide scheduling and range operation support, including reviews and evaluations to ensure safe flight operations. Processes are in place to ensure communication between aircraft operators, FAA air traffic controllers, and range safety personnel.
NASA Stennis officials hope this partnership will incentivize future collaborations with other private companies.
