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Completed TRL 7 (started at 4, targeting 7)
Designed to advance flight of suborbital and low-Earth orbit vehicles—as well as aviation in general—this effort will test new methods for forward-sensing turbulence detection. Researchers will examine the potential for sensing long-range gust and turbulence at high altitude using a two-factor approach. The goal is to identify atmospheric disturbances before the vehicle encounters them, allowing automated flight controllers to perform risk-mitigation maneuvers.
Problem Statement
Currently, significant gaps exist in the forward detection of turbulence, impacting commercial use of suborbital and low-Earth orbit vehicles and aviation generally. In this demonstration, researchers will assess the feasibility of detecting the infrasonic signature of turbulence using a single microphone as well as investigate the potential of using an in-situ reduced-order model to forward-predict the presence of turbulence at high altitudes.
Technology Maturation
Using the stratosphere as an analog for suborbital and low-atmosphere environments, this experiment will launch an unmanned scientific glider from a balloon at altitudes of 30–50 km to test new methods of forward-sensing turbulence detection. The system’s sensors have a TRL of 4 and the unmanned glider platform is at TRL 7. Successful tests will move the sensor technology from TRL 4 to 7.
Using lightweight, compact, low-cost instrumentation, this technology intends to provide time series–based forecasting of turbulence to anticipate increasing intensities. It is designed to advance flight of suborbital and low-Earth orbit vehicles by sensing when dangerous turbulence is imminent, enhancing safety. This would benefit future NASA missions, the commercial space industry, and the nation.
Future Customers
• Suborbital vehicles
• Hypersonic vehicles traveling to low-Earth orbit
• Commercial passenger aircraft
• Aircraft studying atmospheric fluid dynamic gravity waves
• Airborne weather and climate research vehicles
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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.