Picture this: a wildfire spreading uncontrollably across a vast forest. Helicopters buzz above, dropping water, while firefighters on the ground race to contain the flames. And then, silently, drones take to the skies, mapping the fire’s spread in real time, pinpointing hotspots, and providing critical data to teams on the ground.
This isn’t just futuristic storytelling—it’s happening today. And at the heart of this revolution are Avision and NASA, teaming up on the Scalable Traffic Management for Emergency Operations (STEReO) project. Together, they’re solving one of the biggest challenges of disaster response: how to manage airspace during chaos.
Why Managing Emergency Airspace Is So Tough
Emergencies are messy—planes, helicopters, and drones often share the same airspace, and without proper coordination, the risk of accidents skyrockets. Drones are a game-changer, but only if they’re managed effectively. That’s where STEReO comes in.
NASA’s project is about more than just technology—it’s about creating a system where manned and unmanned aircraft can work together safely and efficiently. Avision, as a partner, is making it possible with smart tools designed to help emergency teams make faster, safer decisions
“We believe drones should empower responders, not complicate their work,” says Stas Mozolyuk, Avision’s CEO.
How Avision’s Tools Make a Difference
Let’s break it down. Avision’s technology gives responders everything they need to use drones in high-pressure situations without breaking a sweat:
- Fly Farther, Faster: Drones can operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), which means they can cover large areas—perfect for wildfires or hurricanes.
- Instant Clearance: With LAANC integration, getting airspace approval takes seconds, not hours.
- See What Matters: Live video feeds from drones give responders a crystal-clear view of what’s happening, right when it matters most.
- Know Who’s Flying: Remote ID ensures that every drone in the sky is tracked, reducing risks and improving accountability.
- Stay Organized: UTM Volume Reservations (UVRs) concept was explored as a method to keep operations safe and conflict-free.
“We’re not just building tech—we’re building trust. First responders need tools they can count on, especially when lives are at stake,” Mozolyuk adds.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Think about a search-and-rescue mission after a hurricane. A drone with thermal imaging finds a family stranded on a rooftop, relaying their location to responders in minutes. Or picture a wildfire—drones map the fire’s perimeter while teams focus on stopping its spread.
This is the kind of life-saving work Avision’s tools are enabling.
“Drones aren’t just machines—they’re lifelines. Every second we save with better coordination is a second that could save a life,” says Mozolyuk.
The Future of Disaster Response
The collaboration between Avision and NASA isn’t just about solving today’s challenges—it’s about setting the stage for what’s next. With drones becoming an integral part of emergency operations, creating systems that scale and adapt is crucial.
“The future is shared airspace, where drones, helicopters, and planes work together seamlessly. That’s what we’re building,” Mozolyuk explains.
Why This Matters
Disasters will always be unpredictable. But with tools like those from Avision, responders can be prepared to act faster, safer, and smarter. It’s not just about technology—it’s about protecting lives and communities when it matters most.
Want to See the Future of Emergency Response?
Learn how Avision’s cutting-edge solutions are making the skies safer and turning drones into essential tools for disaster management.
