On-demand Regional Intelligent Operations Network (ORION)

The On-Demand Regional Intelligent Operations Network (ORION) is an advanced UAS networking architecture designed to enhance aerial wildfire response and emergency operations. By integrating autonomous tasking, intelligent automation, and secure data exchange, ORION enables a scalable, resilient UAS response network, overcoming the limitations of manual coordination and pre-planned missions. Through multi-UAS orchestration, adaptive networking, and real-time mission execution, ORION supports persistent, on-demand aerial data collection in environments lacking traditional airspace infrastructure. Built on ResilienX’s OptiX digital operations center, ORION extends real-time safety assurance, task automation, and system monitoring to enable fully autonomous multi-UAS coordination. Integrated with VOTIX’s command and control (C2) solution, ORION dynamically assigns and re-tasks UAS assets, equipping first responders with real-time fire perimeter mapping, infrastructure assessment, and search-and-rescue capabilities. ORION also features a third-party application layer, enabling seamless integration of NASA-developed and commercial wildfire modeling and predictive analytics tools. In Phase I, ORION will advance from TRL 1 to TRL 5 through MBSE-derived system architecture development, interoperability validation (OptiX, VOTIX, and third-party UAS), a DIAB trade study, and operational performance modeling in a simulated wildfire response scenario. This research will evaluate network resilience, multi-UAS tasking efficiency, airspace deconfliction, and real-time mission adaptability. Demonstrating ORION’s technical feasibility will establish a validated framework for full-scale prototyping and field deployment in Phase II, supporting NASA’s objectives in autonomous UAS operations for disaster response and airspace management.