NASA Develops Air Traffic System for High-Altitude Flights

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a new air traffic management system to coordinate operations in high-altitude airspace at 50,000 feet and above. This initiative aims to provide a safe and scalable framework for a growing number of stratospheric flight operations, including balloons and airships.

The Need for a New System

The development addresses a critical gap in current airspace management. Operations in this high-altitude environment, which occurs roughly 10,000 to 20,000 feet above most commercial air traffic, are currently managed manually on a case-by-case basis. According to Jeff Homola, a researcher at NASA's Ames Research Center, the current method is “manual and piecemeal.” The new system, known as Upper Class E Traffic Management (ETM), is designed to provide shared awareness, identify potential conflicts, and enable cooperative resolution among operators.

This effort is part of NASA's broader Air Traffic Management-eXploration (ATM-X) project and supports the agency's Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) goals. The need for such a system is underscored by significant commercial interest in high-altitude platforms. According to market analysis by SNS Insider, the High Altitude Platforms Market was valued at approximately USD 1.98 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.73 billion by 2033.

System Development and Collaboration

NASA's ETM system is being developed to manage traffic in Upper Class E airspace, which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) generally defines as operating at and above 60,000 feet. Currently, no robust regulatory framework or traffic management system exists for these operations, creating a challenge for the increasing number of commercial ventures.

The primary driver for this market growth is telecommunications. Data from SNS Insider indicates that connectivity and communication was the largest application for High Altitude Platforms in 2025, holding a 40.30% market share. These platforms, often referred to as High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), are used to deliver internet connectivity to remote regions and provide persistent surveillance for applications like emergency response and disaster management.

To validate its concepts, NASA conducted a simulation of the high-altitude traffic management system with industry partners Aerostar and Sceye in July 2025. This collaboration is crucial for developing a practical solution that meets the needs of diverse operators. The research falls under NASA's System-Wide Safety (SWS) project, which focuses on ensuring safety as new types of aircraft are introduced into the national airspace.

What Comes Next

The development of the ETM system is an ongoing effort. As more companies plan to deploy vehicles in the stratosphere, NASA's work will provide a foundational technology to inform future FAA regulations and enable the safe, routine integration of these high-altitude operations. Further simulations and industry partnerships are expected as the system matures, paving the way for a new era of commercial and scientific activity in the upper atmosphere.

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