Researchers at NASA have started flight testing new software that the agency says could make the National Airspace System far more efficient and reduce noise associated with airplanes near major airports. The software has been named Airborne Spacing for Terminal Arrival Routes, or ASTAR for short.
The purpose of the software is to develop more precise spacing between airplanes by calculating the speeds required to sequence them efficiently behind each other and designating those speeds to the pilots. By having the ability to more accurately sequence arrivals, flight deviations could be minimized, which would reduce delays and minimize the noise impact of busy airports.
