The BLU-Space (Blueprint U-Space) project is Germany’s first initiative to pilot an automated drone traffic management system in real-world conditions within controlled airspace (CTR), specifically in Hamburg. HHLA Sky is providing its UTM technology to create a scalable, safe, and efficient model for urban drone operations across Germany and Europe. BLU-Space is funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.

Creation of a U-Space Blueprint:

BLU-Space is developing and testing a blueprints for automated U-Space airspace management under real conditions. These blueprint is intended to serve as benchmarks for nationwide and potentially European-wide U-Space designation and implementation.

Real-World Testing and Demonstration:

The project conducts real-world drone flight tests to validate the developed concepts and technologies. These tests are critical for identifying and solving practical challenges, such as emergency response drone flights and robust data exchange between the systems of the U-space actors in safe coordination with air traffic control (ATC).

Stakeholder Integration:

BLU-space unites a multidisciplinary consortium, ensuring stakeholder needs are met for a practical U-Space testing. Project partners include city authorities, air traffic control, industry partners, and emergency service units.

Regulatory and Procedural Contributions:

The project is developing a system architectures and regulatory proposals for drone operations, defining roles and responsibilities for U-Space actors to support the safe, efficient integration of drones into German airspace.

First European U-Space Test Airspace:

Hamburg, through the BLU-Space project, is set to become Europe’s first test airspace for a complete drone traffic management system. Its complex infrastructure—dense urban areas, a large port, and two inner-city airports—marks an ideal environment to develop a scalable UTM solution that is replicable across Europe.

Model for Urban Air Mobility (UAM):

BLU-Space is creating a scalable digital platform for automated beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations, setting a transferable standard for urban air mobility.

Social and Economic Benefits:

Integrating drones into urban airspace, shall reduce ground traffic, boost logistics efficiency, accelerate emergency response, enhance environmental monitoring, and drive economic innovation across Europe.

For more information, visit the BLU-space website.

Take also a closer look at the strategic partners we are collaborating with on this pioneering project:

For details about HHLA Sky's contributions to BLU-space, U-space development, and UAS traffic management technologies please contact your personal representative or email us at sky@hhla.de .