Will Drone Sightings on the East Coast Impact Santa’s Deliveries? A Geospatial Technology Professor Weighs In.

HARRISBURG, PA – With the holiday season in full swing, concerns about increased drone activity on the East Coast have sparked questions about potential disruptions to Santa Claus’s legendary delivery operations. To learn more, we sat down with Professor Albert Sarvis, Program Lead for Geospatial Technology at Harrisburg University, and a recognized expert in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced navigation technologies, and geospatial technology (GIS).

With drone activity on the rise, should we be concerned about interference with Santa’s Christmas Eve operations?

“That’s an excellent question. The incredible growth in popularity of consumer and commercial drones – particularly during the holiday season – has undoubtedly created a more congested low-altitude airspace. However, after analyzing the situation from a flight operations standpoint, I can assure you that Santa Claus’s delivery logistics remain unaffected. Santa operates within a unique atmospheric corridor above standard UAS altitudes, which we refer to in aviation as ‘stratospheric exclusivity.’ Essentially, Santa’s sleigh is well beyond the reach of conventional drones, both in altitude and sophistication.”

Is there a chance these drones could impact Santa’s navigation?

“I would say that it’s highly unlikely. The GPS-denied navigation systems in Santa’s sleigh are decades – if not centuries – ahead of our current drone technology. While drones rely on satellite-based positioning, which is susceptible to signal loss or jamming, Santa’s sleigh employs what I would describe as ‘phenomenologically adaptive geospatial awareness.’ This allows him to seamlessly navigate adverse weather conditions, chimney alignment variability, and even electromagnetic (EM) interference.

“Furthermore, Santa’s team uses a proprietary AI-driven flight management system, affectionately called the ‘Rudolph Suite,’ which has redundancy mechanisms that far exceed FAA standards. And let’s not forget that he also has real-time situational awareness powered by NORAD, whose tracking capabilities are unparalleled in the aerospace industry.”

How does NORAD factor into Santa’s incredible delivery feats each year?

“NORAD’s Santa Tracker is a marvel of aerospace engineering. Each year, NORAD integrates satellite data, radar systems, and even infrared sensors to monitor Santa’s movements with extreme precision. The symbiotic relationship between Santa and NORAD has fostered an unparalleled level of airspace management. Frankly, if I were to place my confidence in anyone managing holiday traffic, it would be NORAD. They’ve been doing this for decades without a single incident. It’s quite extraordinary.”

So, no cause for concern?

“None whatsoever. In fact, I would argue that Santa’s operations set the gold standard for aerial delivery systems. If anything, drone operators should worry about staying clear of Santa’s trajectory. The sleigh’s kinetic energy and hypersonic speeds make it a force to be reckoned with. The FAA might consider issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) specifically for December 24 to ensure compliance.”

Any final thoughts for our readers?

“As we come together this holiday season under the shadow of strange objects in the sky, it’s important to remember that Santa Claus is the original pioneer of logistics and aerospace innovation – and he’s on our side (unless you’ve somehow made your way onto his naughty list). His success each holiday season inspires those of us in the drone and GIS sectors to dream bigger and aim higher. So long as NORAD is on the case, and Santa has the Rudolph Suite at his disposal, I can confidently say there’s no stopping him – unidentified flying objects or no.”

Albert Sarvis, PMP, GISP, is the Associate Vice President of Continuous Improvement and Program Lead of Geospatial Technology at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

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