An integral element of the NASA Airspace Systems Program is the Virtual Airspace Modeling and Simulation (VAMS) Project, a research and development effort committed to building the foundations required to define and assess the next-generation air transportation system. An objective of the VAMS Project is to explore advanced operational air traffic management (ATM) concepts that will result in a significant enhancement in airspace system capacity, while maintaining safety and affordability. It will also provide a consistent framework for the evaluation of research investments in new technologies or infrastructure. Concept proposals include redefinition of airspace sectors and domains, improved integration of airspace operations, point-to-point travel using regional airports, automated surface traffic control, autonomous control in the terminal domain, and modification of standards. To conduct this exploration, the VAMS Project is developing a national airspace modeling and simulation capability that will enable comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the system-wide effects of new air transportation concepts. These efforts will support research and analysis of improvements in the nation's air transportation infrastructure, continued growth in the air transportation system, and growth in the national economy and aerospace industry.

The VAMS Project hosts periodic Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) to facilitate the exchange of information and research results among internal and external stakeholders. Participation in these meetings is sought from a wide range of aviation community representatives. Three TIMs have been conducted during the project's first two years. The outputs of these TIMs have been recorded in formal reports, which are available from the VAMS web site.