Verification & Validation of Complex Autonomy Concepts Using the Cloud

Crown Consulting, Inc., proposes a new method of verification and validation for autonomous operations by using cloud computing resources for massively parallel execution of National Airspace System (NAS) simulations. This method increases by an order of magnitude the number of Monte Carlo simulation runs that can be executed in a given time, enabling assessments of safety and performance across thousands of scenarios. Uses of this innovation include verification and validation of concepts for autonomous UAS operations, validation of advanced NAS concepts, and development of SMART NAS. Phase II will develop and demonstrate the concept by creating a sUAS SMART NAS Testbed simulation running thousands of cases simultaneously, along with automated system performance and safety assessment. Applications to NASA needs include analysis of concepts for UAS operations, prognostic safety assessment, NAS performance assessment, exploring applications of autonomy, and real-time evaluation of traffic flow strategies.