RocketDNA Ltd (ASX: RKT), a prominent global drones-as-a-service provider, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining official approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Australia. This green light from CASA allows RocketDNA to operate cutting-edge remote autonomous drone solutions within the region, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of drone technology and its applications.
Streamlined Approval Process
CASA, the prominent national regulator overseeing the aviation industry in Australia, holds the responsibility of ensuring safety and compliance, particularly in the realm of commercial drone operations. RocketDNA’s journey to approval has involved a comprehensive assessment process by CASA. This evaluation included an in-depth review of various elements, such as RocketDNA’s remote operating center situated in Perth, Western Australia, and the assessment of deployment and operational risk through the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology and related policies. Additionally, RocketDNA successfully demonstrated to CASA the capabilities of its autonomous drone systems.
Expansive Scope of Approval
The approval granted by CASA encompasses the usage of two advanced autonomous drone systems—DJI Dock System and Hetronics Global Drone Station—by RocketDNA. Notably, this authoriaation extends to encompass Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, signifying a leap forward in the possibilities of drone operations. Notably, RocketDNA has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the inaugural Australian company to receive CASA’s approval for the deployment of the DJI Dock System.
Empowering RocketDNA Products
With CASA’s endorsement, RocketDNA is now empowered to deliver an array of automated operational workflows that blend drones and artificial intelligence. The company’s focus has culminated in the development of three distinctive X-Bot (Drone-in-a-box) products, each catering to specialised applications:
- InspectBot | RocketDNA: This product offers efficient drone-assisted inspection solutions.
- PatrolBot | RocketDNA: Designed for security and surveillance tasks, this product augments operational efficiency.
- SurveyBot | RocketDNA: RocketDNA’s surveying solution facilitates accurate data collection and analysis.
In a statement, RocketDNA’s CEO Christopher Clark shared, “Months of dedicated preparation have led us to this point, where our autonomous drone products have received CASA’s approval. Our remote operating centre, BVLOS capabilities at authorised sites, and meticulous methodologies and policies have been integral to this achievement. As we move forward, securing future approvals will become a streamlined process that aligns with our mission to deploy drone-in-a-box solutions across customer sites.”
Enhanced Safety and Sustainability
RocketDNA’s advancements are poised to revolutionise work environments, introducing heightened safety measures and sustainable practices through autonomous drone-powered remote geo-data solutions. By leveraging these technologies, RocketDNA aims to eliminate human exposure to perilous settings while catering to a multitude of applications, particularly within the mining sector. Clark emphasises that mining customers are demonstrating significant interest in these transformative capabilities.
Unlocking Data Collection Potential
The launch of the long-anticipated DJI Dock ushers in a new era for RocketDNA. With its arrival, the company now boasts a diverse array of possibilities for remote data collection. The first deployment of a DJI Dock has already taken place at a gold mine in Western Australia. This landmark deployment paves the way for the integration of autonomous flights into ongoing operations, demonstrating the tangible impact of RocketDNA’s solutions.
In essence, RocketDNA’s CASA approval signifies a monumental achievement in the domain of autonomous drone operations. The convergence of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive approvals, and visionary applications has positioned RocketDNA as a pioneer in reshaping industries through the innovative use of drones and AI. With a promising future ahead, RocketDNA’s strides are set to bring about transformative changes in operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
