Mississippi State College (MSU) has as soon as once more been tapped to guide a serious uncrewed plane techniques (UAS) analysis, testing and analysis undertaking on behalf of the U.S. Division of Homeland Safety (DHS).
Homeland Safety’s Workplace of Procurement Operations, on behalf of the DHS Science and Know-how Directorate (S&T), has awarded MSU a five-year contract with a funding ceiling of $18.7 million, together with roughly $4 million in funding awarded in Fiscal Yr 2022. MSU’s Raspet Flight Analysis Laboratory, a nationwide chief in UAS analysis, will spearhead the hassle. Underneath the brand new contract with DHS, MSU will proceed to scout, consider and take a look at rising UAS applied sciences. MSU has additionally been tasked with growing an economical prototype UAS that’s personalized particularly for DHS wants and incorporates capabilities past what’s at present obtainable. One other early initiative within the partnership is to conduct cybersecurity vulnerability assessments for UAS plane.
MSU assets in high-performance computing, cybersecurity, superior supplies and distant sensing, amongst different areas, will complement the undertaking to reinforce outcomes for DHS.
“This undertaking is a superb instance of how MSU can leverage inner strengths and exterior relationships to ship full options in assist of nationwide safety,” stated MSU Vice President for Analysis and Financial Improvement Julie Jordan. “It is usually a testomony to the wonderful work being performed day by day at Raspet Flight Analysis Laboratory and the worth the middle has supplied in MSU’s earlier work with the Division of Homeland Safety. This award is a serious win for MSU and the state as we proceed to see the advantages of Mississippi being a hub for UAS analysis and growth.”
MSU was chosen in 2017 to guide Homeland Safety’s Widespread UAS Check Website together with a number of Magnolia State companions. As a part of this partnership, MSU offers UAS testing, analysis and full-scale train capabilities for greater than two dozen simulated safety risk situations resembling catastrophe aid, freeway and rail accidents, border safety and unsafe materials spills.
Tom Brooks, Raspet director, stated he’s excited to see the lab’s capabilities and partnerships proceed to develop, which reinforces alternatives for college students and researchers on campus.
“We’ve one of many largest and most subtle UAS fleets of any college within the nation to associate with a terrific group and the flexibility to fly UAS over hundreds of sq. miles of distinctive terrain,” Brooks stated. “This undertaking will assist our authorities companions consider and finally implement the subsequent era of UAS applied sciences, one thing that I’m proud for MSU and Raspet to be part of.”
MSU has a distinguished historical past of UAS analysis and growth initiatives. The college was chosen to guide the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) UAS Heart of Excellence for UAS Analysis, or ASSURE, in 2015 to supply the company with the tutorial analysis, information and assist wanted to soundly combine UAS into the nationwide airspace system. In 2020, Raspet was designated because the FAA’s UAS Security Analysis Facility, putting the analysis heart on the helm of learning and growing UAS security and certification requirements. Along with federal businesses, Raspet conducts analysis on behalf of trade companions, serving to develop Mississippi’s aerospace sector.
For extra on Raspet Flight Analysis Laboratory, go to www.raspet.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi’s main college, obtainable on-line at www.msstate.edu.
