NOAA Uncrewed Systems Operations Center (UxSOC) is part of the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) and works to meet the objectives of the Commercial Engagement Through Ocean Technology Act of 2018, which requires NOAA to coordinate research, assess and acquire uncrewed marine systems (UMS) with the U.S. Navy, other federal agencies, industry and academia. Uncrewed systems are expanding the collection and utilization of critical, high accuracy, and time-sensitive data and are enhancing the way NOAA meets its mission requirements in almost all of its mission areas.
The UxSOC is at the forefront of NOAA’s efforts to capitalize on the promise of UxS. Its objectives are:
Development, Transition, and Innovation
Fund research, development, testing, and evaluation of UxS projects to explore new capabilities and mission applications, and transition technologies to regular operations
Assess UxS capabilities in relation to NOAA requirements
Measurably increase reliability, capacity, efficiency, and safety of NOAA UxS missions
Operations and Support
Operationalize UxS corporate assets for use across NOAA missions, or establish other operating models (i.e., industry operated) where fiscally appropriate
Provide UxS expertise and associated services
UxS Leadership and Collaboration
Inform, coordinate, and implement UxS policies, authorities, and positions
Coordinate and collaborate within NOAA and with industry, academia, government, and NGOs
Model Workplace
Recruit and develop an expert workforce empowered by a strong culture and infrastructure
Uncrewed systems are vehicles that can operate without a person onboard. They are typically controllable or programmable. Some can operate fully autonomously, or without the oversight of anyone. Others require remote guidance from a person. That can be someone piloting remotely in real-time, a pre-programmed path or task, or other oversight by a person.
