Space Florida Holds First Authorized Demo of Unmanned Systems



By Priya Potapragada



Space Florida, the state’s aerospace development organization, coordinated with NASA Kennedy Space Center to conduct the first authorized unmanned aircraft system demonstration at Exploration Park on 27 and 29 Feb. 



In an effort to institute policies and practices for the future of unmanned flight in Florida, Florida-based companies Prioria Robotics, Angel Eyes and Elevated Horizons were invited to bring their unmanned aircraft to fly as part of the demonstration. 



“In these tough economic times, all business and governments are looking for ways to cut cost and get more done. Unmanned systems are the tools farmers and firefighters need to do just that,” says Bryan da Frota of Gainesville, Fla.-based Prioria Robotics. “Privacy can be respected while still allowing business to grow and governments to more efficiently use public funds. Small UAS can cut operating costs significantly compared to other existing options, while doing it more safely, in less time and with better results.” 



Participating companies had to go through an extensive application process, and all systems were thoroughly inspected prior to the demonstration. Throughout the two-day demonstration, 21 flights were completed, with a total of 178 minutes of flight time.



“The UAS market is rapidly growing, and it is up to us to make Florida an attractive business destination for UAS manufacturing, testing, research and operations,” says Space Florida Chief Operating Officer Jim Kuzma. “The information collected during these demonstrations will lead to a safe, viable, and profitable unmanned market for the state of Florida.”



In conjunction with AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems 2014, Space Florida will be holding a demonstration that includes both UAS and unmanned ground vehicles Sunday, 11 May at the Exploration Park at Kennedy Center and is anticipating around 2,000 to 3,000 attendees.