Infrastructure underpins our Nation’s strong economy, global competitiveness, and daily quality of life. When infrastructure is damaged or in disrepair, it can limit the movement of people, goods, services, and critical resources such as water and energy. Inspections are essential throughout infrastructure lifecycles, yet many assets, including tunnels, bridges, highways, railways, and electric grids, are large, difficult to access, and often require disruptive shutdowns or work in hazardous environments. As the Nation’s infrastructure ages and expands, there are opportunities to use innovative airborne platforms to improve current inspection practices. 

In the 2027 Gateways to Blue Skies Competition, teams will conceptualize innovative airborne platforms for inspecting land-based infrastructure that can be implemented by 2035 or sooner with the goal of improving safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost.