This article is based on an official press release from Reliable Robotics.

Reliable Robotics Awarded NASA Contract to Validate Large UAS Operations at Airports

Reliable Robotics has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III contract by NASA’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate (ARMD). Announced on December 10, 2025, this agreement tasks the Mountain View-based company with conducting operational demonstration flights to validate safety standards for integrating large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).

The contract focuses on utilizing the company’s automated Cessna 208B Caravan to collect critical flight data. According to the press release, these operations will take place “at and around airports” to simulate real-world regional air cargo scenarios. The data gathered is intended to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) in finalizing performance standards for large uncrewed aircraft.

Testing Scope and Contingency Management

A primary objective of this testing campaign is to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to handle system failures without human intervention. Reliable Robotics stated that the flights will specifically validate the system’s capacity to manage “lost command and control (C2) links” and navigate effectively in “GPS degraded or denied” environments.

The testing timeline indicates that data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled for completion by the third quarter of 2026. The final demonstration flights are planned to occur between the Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV) and Edwards Air Force Base (KEDW) in California. Rehearsal flights will likely take place within California’s high-desert test corridors, with specific locations currently being determined in collaboration with NASA.

“This testing campaign comes at a unique moment in time, when safety-enhancing aircraft autonomy is rapidly nearing FAA certification and entry into service for regional air cargo and military use cases.”

, Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics

Regulatory Implications and Technology

The contract falls under NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) mission. The data collected is expected to be instrumental in writing the Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS), which are necessary for large UAS to fly commercially without special waivers. While current tests often utilize visual observers, the program aims to validate Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems that will eventually replace human eyes in the sky.

The Reliable Autonomy System

Reliable Robotics utilizes its proprietary Reliable Autonomy System (RAS), which is designed to be aircraft-agnostic. The system is currently certified on the Cessna 208B Caravan and the Cessna 172. Unlike traditional autopilots that disconnect during a failure, forcing a human pilot to take over, the RAS is designed to be “fail operational.” This means the system manages contingencies internally, maintaining safety even if specific components or links fail.

AirPro News Analysis

We note that the designation of this award as an SBIR Phase III contract is significant. Unlike Phase I or II awards, which focus on feasibility and research and development, Phase III contracts are funded by non-SBIR programmatic funds and typically indicate that a technology is ready for commercialization or government application. This suggests NASA views Reliable Robotics’ platform not just as an experiment, but as a mature tool for defining the future of airspace integration.

Furthermore, the dual-use nature of this technology is evident. While this specific contract focuses on civil aviation standards, Reliable Robotics continues to hold contracts with the U.S. Air Force. The data derived from these NASA tests regarding GPS-denied environments will likely have direct applications for military logistics in contested environments.

Company Background

Founded in 2017 by SpaceX and Tesla veterans Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable Robotics has raised over $133 million in funding. The company achieved a significant milestone in November 2023 when it successfully flew a Cessna 208B Caravan with no pilot on board. This new NASA contract builds upon previous partnerships, including the AAM National Campaign, where the company served as a vehicle partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft is being used for these tests?
Reliable Robotics will use its automated Cessna 208B Caravan, a standard regional cargo aircraft retrofitted with the Reliable Autonomy System.

When will the testing be completed?
According to the announcement, data collection and final demonstrations are scheduled to conclude by Q3 2026.

What is the main goal of the testing?
The primary goal is to validate safety standards, specifically regarding how large uncrewed aircraft handle communication losses and GPS failures in airport environments.

Sources:
Reliable Robotics Press Release