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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The proposed airborne instrument, BACAR (BRDF: bidirectional reflectance-distribution function, Albedo, Cloud and Aerosol Radiometer) will demonstrate radiometrically accurate measurements from the Ultraviolet to Thermal Infrared (19 channels), including polarization, from a single instrument, which is unprecedented, and will overcome significant technological challenges in optical design with high optical throughput and SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), as well as fast data readouts and processing. BACAR will expand the current CAR (Cloud Absorption Radiometer) airborne science capability and build on its BRDF legacy in important ways that will have particular impact in the following areas: (i) snow & ice mapping, (ii) wildfires, (iii) natural resources mapping, (iv) volcano monitoring, (v) surface-temperature determination & radiation balance constraints, (vi) cloud studies, (vii) air pollution studies, and (viii) acute pollution-event monitoring.
The entire BACAR project is organized following a standard design/build top-level process that includes: conceptual design, trade studies, preliminary design, critical design and fabrication/test.
BACAR will become a powerful tool for new measurements and discoveries because of its unique characteristics. It will also provide ground truth validation and calibration support for existing on-orbit assets (MODIS, MISR, LandSat, JPSS, etc.).
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.
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