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NASA conference will discuss how to manage drone traffic

Someday, commercial drones might become so prevalent, it would be impossible to look up without seeing at least one in the sky. NASA and a number of drone enthusiasts believe that in order to keep those UAVs, well, orderly and away from restricted locations (here's a tip: don't fly near the White House), a traffic management system has to be in place. That's why the space agency and the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) are hosting a convention on July 28th to 30th where they can all discuss the topic. Both NASA and FAA execs will be in attendance, along with UAV users in film, agriculture, academia and other industries.

NASA's associate administrator of Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, Jaiwon Shin, explains it as such (emphasis ours):

As technology continues to revolutionize aeronautics, we are seeing an increased need to highlight the growing potential that lies in the use of unmanned aerial systems at low altitudes. Today, we see the need to establish a safe low altitude unmanned aerial traffic management system. Bringing together a broad spectrum of people interested in UAS technology will help us develop a well-coordinated plan that will guide us in the future.

In addition to conjuring up a plan for a traffic system, they'll also be discussing privacy and security issues associated with UAVs. We'll update you of anything significant that comes out of the conference, but you can still register to attend the event yourself at the NASA Ames Research Center.