← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 7 (started at 4, targeting 7)
Develop an advanced tethered instrumentation suite for prompt repetitive vertical ascent; customized to measure key state variables of atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, air quality, and three-dimensional wind speed and direction throughout the vertical column from the surface up to 5,000 feet above ground level. In addition, develop customized computer software to wirelessly receive real-time data from the SonicSonde throughout ascent, displaying the data via several user-selected customized view options.
The ability to produce in-situ vertical wind profiles in near-real-time – as rapidly as 1,000 feet per minute and 100 samples per second – will allow for much greater resolutions in wind shear and turbulence gradient analysis. As well, this innovation will eliminate cost per use, and contribute significant cost savings concerning man hours and shipping of the instrumentation. Paired with additional atmospheric sensors – pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and air quality – this compact suite will allow for various parameter data collection capable of being tailored per use, viewed, and analyzed on the custom software also being developed. A comprehensive instrumentation suite of this caliber will greatly benefit any research dependent on high-resolution, dependable, low altitude (surface to 5,000 feet above ground level) atmospheric condition assessment or analysis. Some examples include acoustic studies, small UAV flight, satellite verification, climate studies, air-quality research, and wind shear and turbulence gradient studies.
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.