Returning to Fundamentals: Using Nascent Technologies to Make Modern Radiometers

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

This project will characterize radiometer receiver technologies with laboratory measurements, looking at thermal and 1/f noise, to develop new receiver models and calibration approaches.

Benefits

The outcomes of this research will improve precision and stability of radiometers, providing widespread benefit to passive microwave sensors. In addition to technologies developed and/or used by NASA, advancements made through this project will impact sensors developed by government, industry, and academia and used by the DoD and other nations.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors > Microwave, Millimeter Waves, and Submillimeter Waves
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2021-10-01
End date	2023-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Ian S Adams — ian.s.adams@nasa.gov
Julia W Breed — julia.w.breed@nasa.gov
Carey M Johnson — carey.m.johnson@nasa.gov
Carey M Johnson — carey.m.johnson@nasa.gov
Ian S Adams — ian.s.adams@nasa.gov
Manohar D Deshpande — manohar.d.deshpande@nasa.gov
Negar Ehsan — negar.ehsan@nasa.gov
Paul E Racette — paul.e.racette@nasa.gov
Sheri A Loftin — sheri.a.loftin@nasa.gov
Timothy P Mcclanahan — timothy.p.mcclanahan@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.