ASTRAEA is a pioneering £32 million aerospace programme which is addressing key technological and regulatory issues in order to open up non-segregated airspace to unmanned autonomous aircraft.
ASTRAEA involves a consortium of major aerospace companies, including BAE Systems, EADS, Flight Refuelling, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce, and Thales, working with autonomous systems specialist Agent Oriented Software, many of the most innovative small companies in the sector, and leading academic minds.
ASTRAEA is one of a number of aerospace technology validation programmes attracting Government investment at DTI and regional level to ensure that the aerospace industry maintains its global strength and develops world class technologies in line with the National Aerospace Technology Strategy.
The safe and routine operation of autonomous airborne systems promises to offer considerable public benefits, particularly in the areas of safety and security, 'blue light' and rescue services, logistics, environmental monitoring and transport management.
