NISA calibrates Rudolph

To provide more reliable, faster deliveries during adverse weather condition, the Null Island Space Agency has entered into a project with Santa Claus.

In recent years, more and more rooftop areas have been taken over with rooftop solar installations. While this is generally a good thing, it has reduced available landing areas for Santas sleigh. In normal weather conditions under VFR (visual flight rules), this requirement for very precise landings does not present much of a challenge for the experienced pilot. But under adverse conditions (dense snowfall and/or fog), even with the help of Rudolph, it sometimes takes multiple approaches for a sucessful landing.

During the 2023 christmas season, Santa will do a number of overflights of the Null Island Outdoor Test Facility from different directions. Specialized infrared sensors on the ground will lock on to Rudolphs nose and precisely track the exact path and timing of those overflights. The data will be uplinked to Santas sleigh in real time, allowing Rudolph to refine his positioning to better than 30cm.

This project will reduce the number of go-arounds during the delivery runs, making sure that children continue to get their presents delivered on time in the future.