Combining distributed RF and multi-spectral optical observations for a spaceborne 3-D lightning measurement concept

The goal of this proposal is to advance key components of the CubeSpark measurement concept to prepare it future satellite demonstration or Earth Venture opportunities for obtaining novel, global 3D measurements of lightning. The CubeSpark concept is to use a constellation of small satellites with combined optical and RF lightning instruments to retrieve the 3D location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) of lightning flashes within thunderstorms around the globe with a spatial resolution of at least 1- to 2-km. This will make use of fast, high-resolution bispectral lightning imagers, which can be assembled using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) CMOS-based detectors, and a recent ESTO-funded ACT project to design a CubeSat-based RF antenna/receiver, which has a planned exit TRL of 4-5, for detecting lightning. The organizations involved in this proposal have a long heritage of developing space-based lightning instruments and missions and have demonstrated success obtaining novel and impactful measurements of lightning on a global scale. The objectives of this work are as follows: 1) establish that a bispectral lightning imager can enhance the performance and science return of space-based optical detection of lightning for CubeSpark; 2) demonstrate a space-based time-of-arrival approach capable of measuring the 3D location to address CubeSpark science questions; 3) determine a baseline concept of operations for CubeSpark. The tasks we are proposing to meet these objectives will be completed within the time frame of 18 months. The entry TRL is 2 with an expected exit TRL of 4.

Enabling lower cost innovative remote sensing instrument development from concept through breadboard and demonstration

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.

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