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By expanding the DFR programme, PSPD and intelligent sensor innovator MatrixSpace are establishing the United States’ largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans. The PSPD’s programme expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilising MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.

MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.

Largest US radar-enabled municipal coverage, eliminating human visual observers MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.

MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.

Palm Springs, once synonymous with sun-drenched golf courses and mid-century modern bungalows, is steadily reshaping its identity. In 2025, the desert city better known for weekenders and retirees is positioning itself at the forefront of urban drone innovation. This week, the Palm Springs Police Department announced a major expansion of its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, making it the largest radar-enabled municipal drone response zone in the United States. Spanning 37 square miles, the initiative leverages a network of advanced radar sensors from Massachusetts-based MatrixSpace, allowing police drones to launch, navigate and return without the need for human visual observers.

MatrixSpace has announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) programme, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s programme expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs using MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This has also supported the city’s application for a Federal Aviation Administration No Visual Observer flight operations waiver for the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.

The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has taken a significant step forward in public safety innovation by expanding its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program. This enhancement establishes the largest radar-enabled municipal drone coverage area in the United States, spanning 37 square miles and eliminating the need for human visual observers during operations.

The Department of Homeland Security has selected technology for advanced air detection to support automatic flying vehicles. The DHS innovation hub HSWERX agreed to use MatrixSpace Radar onboard sensors to help identify small uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. The technology is intended to be used for different mission environments, including use by the DHS Customs and Border Protection Agency.
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