System and Method for Managing Autonomous Entities Through Apoptosis

This NASA innovation is a biologically inspired system management method designed to make sensor webs as well as other autonomous and autonomic systems more self-directing and self-managing. Based on the mechanisms of cell apoptosis, this method ensures safe and correct operation over time by enabling self-destruct, self-sleep, or standby actions in response to potentially harmful or compromising situations. The capabilities provided by this technology will benefit systems such as sensors, computer systems, and spacecraft.