Description: The Target Acquisition and Guidance System (TAGS) is an platform-agnostic navigation solution designed for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to enhance wildfire management and disaster relief operations. This technology integrates autonomous cooperative planning algorithms and decision-making capabilities directly onboard, enabling multiple UAS to perform complex missions in dynamic environments with minimal human intervention. TAGS focuses on improving operational efficiency and safety by allowing one operator to supervise multiple drones, facilitating early detection, damage assessment, and logistical support in disaster-affected areas. The core technology employs a hierarchical communication system, decentralized control mechanisms, and advanced sensor data aggregation to enable effective coordination among UAS. Funding will support the development of TAGS's autonomous navigation and cooperative planning capabilities, refinement of its distributed control algorithms, and expansion of its sensor integration for better environmental perception and risk assessment. Target markets include government agencies involved in emergency management and wildfire suppression, utility companies seeking infrastructure inspection and maintenance solutions, and insurance companies requiring accurate risk assessment and claims management. TAGS aims to revolutionize the approach to disaster management, significantly reducing the reliance on human pilots and streamlining operations in critical scenarios, ultimately saving lives, preserving property, and minimizing the environmental impact of natural disasters and emergencies.

Benefits: The Target Acquisition and Guidance System (TAGS) aligns with NASA's mission directives by offering advanced technological solutions for Earth observation, disaster response, and environmental monitoring. By leveraging autonomous Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), TAGS enhances the capability for rapid, accurate data collection and analysis in areas affected by natural disasters or undergoing significant environmental changes. This technology supports NASA's objectives in studying Earth's systems, improving climate change models, and aiding in disaster preparedness and response through more efficient and safer reconnaissance, mapping, and assessment operations. TAGS's autonomous cooperative planning and decision-making algorithms enable a fleet of drones to conduct coordinated missions, significantly improving data collection efficiency and coverage without the need for extensive human intervention. This capability is crucial for monitoring wildfires, hurricane damage, and other rapidly evolving environmental threats, providing timely and valuable information that can inform emergency management decisions and climate research. Furthermore, the integration of advanced sensors with TAGS allows for the collection of critical atmospheric data, contributing to NASA's research on climate dynamics and enhancing models predicting weather patterns and environmental impacts. Overall, TAGS offers a scalable, flexible platform that complements NASA's efforts in Earth science, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship, pushing the boundaries of current observational capabilities and supporting the agency's commitment to understanding and protecting our planet.The Target Acquisition and Guidance System (TAGS) presents broad commercialization opportunities in several sectors, primarily focusing on disaster management, utility infrastructure monitoring, and insurance risk assessment. Government agencies and emergency management organizations: TAGS offers an invaluable tool for enhancing wildfire suppression efforts, natural disaster response, and environmental monitoring, enabling rapid, accurate assessments and decision-making support with reduced human risk and resource allocation. Utility companies: TAGS can revolutionize infrastructure inspections, especially in remote or hazardous areas, improving safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The technology's ability to provide detailed, real-time data on vegetation management and infrastructure health helps prevent disasters like wildfires caused by power lines, offering a proactive approach to risk management. Insurance sector: TAGS can provide precise, up-to-date information on risk exposure, assisting in the accurate adjustment of premiums, quick damage assessment post-disaster, and efficient claims management, thereby reducing financial losses and improving customer satisfaction. Other: The technology's adaptability and scalability make it suitable for deployment in a variety of other industries, such as agriculture for crop monitoring and pest control, construction for site surveying and progress monitoring, and environmental conservation efforts, including wildlife tracking and habitat preservation. The commercialization of TAGS is further facilitated by its platform-agnostic nature, allowing integration with various UAS platforms and expanding its market reach.