Pierce Aerospace, a developer of Remote ID technologies, announced May 7 that it has been selected by Metis Technology Solutions to deploy a network of Remote ID sensors across Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area in support of NASA research and airspace safety efforts.
Metis Technology Solutions is the prime contractor for NASA’s Aerospace Research Technology and Simulation (ARTS) contract, which supports the Air Traffic Management and Safety (ATMS) project and the Aeronautics Projects Office at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. Under the multi‑year effort, Pierce Aerospace will deploy its YR1 and YR2S Remote ID sensors in a layered, networked configuration to provide regional coverage for NASA missions over several years.
Remote ID is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement that drones broadcast a “digital license plate” containing identification and telemetry data, enabling the detection, tracking and identification of uncrewed aircraft. Pierce Aerospace began developing Remote ID technology in 2017 and first fielded the capability through U.S. Air Force AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research awards in 2018.
“It is an honor to support NASA’s cutting-edge research that’s at the forefront of evolving air traffic management and emerging aviation technologies,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO and co-founder of Pierce Aerospace. He added that the sensor network could also support broader airspace awareness needs for commercial and public sector users.
The Remote ID network will support multiple NASA initiatives under the ATMS project and the broader Airspace Operations and Safety Program, which aims to modernize the National Airspace System to safely integrate drones, air taxis and other advanced aircraft.
These efforts include the ATMS digital framework for managing diverse aircraft through automation; the Advanced Air Mobility Pathfinder project, which focuses on electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxis, beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations and emergency response applications; and Smart Mobility initiatives supporting small uncrewed aircraft operations at Moffett Field and other locations.
Metis Technology Solutions said the deployment will enhance airspace awareness and data quality across the Bay Area. “This deployment directly supports NASA’s ATMS project and the broader goals of the ARTS contract by enabling new levels of airspace awareness, data fidelity and operational insight,” said Sig Lokensgard, ARTS program manager at Metis.
Pierce Aerospace said the subcontract was awarded under Small Business Innovation Research Phase III authorities, allowing for accelerated delivery. The company noted this marks its third award under the SBIR Phase III mechanism.
