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CAASD

Shaping the future of aerospace

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

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Fact Sheet

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Our Mission

The Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) innovates solutions to critical aviation challenges. Sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), CAASD’s data-driven insights enhance aviation safety, help improve the efficiency of the National Aerospace System, and strengthen both domestic and global airspace system resilience.

In parallel, CAASD supports the integration of emerging technologies and new entrants—including commercial spacecraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and autonomous vehicles—into the broader transportation ecosystem.

Our Impact

CAASD partners with federal and state agencies, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to advance safety standards, automation solutions, and operational efficiencies. We aim to shape and define the future of aviation and interconnected transportation systems. 

Our Work

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Revolutionizing Air Traffic Control

We pioneered the shift from radar-based systems to satellite networks, enabling real-time transmission and reception of aircraft movement data—an essential advancement for modern aviation operations..

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Protecting America's Airspace

We protect U.S. airspace with key technologies like TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) to prevent collisions and ASIAS (Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing) to analyze safety data.

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NextGen Partnership

As a strategic partner in the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), we worked over two decades to enhance aviation safety, reduce flight times, lower fuel consumption, cut emissions, and increase national airspace capacity.

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Transportation System Efficiency

Key to America’s economy and security is our ability to move people and goods efficiently across the country. We’re developing a capability that will give decision-makers the insights needed to keep our transportation infrastructure strong.

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girl in front of a departure board

We pioneered the shift from radar-based systems to satellite networks, enabling real-time transmission and reception of aircraft movement data—an essential advancement for modern aviation operations..

Read More

Airplane contrail against clear blue sky

We protect U.S. airspace with key technologies like TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) to prevent collisions and ASIAS (Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing) to analyze safety data.

Read More

Plane taking off into clouds and sunset

As a strategic partner in the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), we worked over two decades to enhance aviation safety, reduce flight times, lower fuel consumption, cut emissions, and increase national airspace capacity.

Read More

container ship under bridge

Key to America’s economy and security is our ability to move people and goods efficiently across the country. We’re developing a capability that will give decision-makers the insights needed to keep our transportation infrastructure strong.

Read More

CAASD LEADERSHIP

Beth Meinert

Leadership

Beth Meinert

Senior Vice President, General Manager, MITRE Public Sector

Beth Meinert sets strategy, direction, and priorities, working with sponsors of the FFRDCs MITRE operates for civilian government agencies.

Read more about Beth Meinert

Kerry Buckley

Leadership

Kerry Buckley

Vice President, Center for Integrated Transportation; Director, Center for Advanced Aviation System Development

Kerry Buckley leads MITRE’s work advancing safety, security, and efficiency in domestic and global transportation and aerospace systems.

Read more about Kerry Buckley

Contact Us

Connect with the CAASD Team

We partner with government and key stakeholders worldwide to help ensure safe, secure, and efficient transportation systems.

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Latest News & Insights

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MITRE Labs

Integrated Systems Innovation Center

A national resource in transportation’s evolution
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