A unified approach to retrieval of upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere winds for assimilation in GEOS-5

Completed TRL 3 (started at 1, targeting 3)

Description

The Goddard Earth Observing System version (GEOS) is developed by NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO). This project aims to produce a historical dataset of atmospheric neutral winds in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT; ~80-100 km altitude) in formats ready for integration into the vertically extended GEOS model. We will also collaborate on collating a homogenized and quality-controlled record of Earth observations.

Benefits

The data record generated through this effort could be integrated into the GEOS high altitude vertically extended model, improving simulations of the upper atmosphere and geo-space environment. The outcome will directly support future mission planning and conducting Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs). This project will enhance our space weather research capabilities and address critical challenges related to cross-disciplinary coupling within the Earth system.

Details

Technology area	Software, Modeling, Simulation, and Information Processing
Program	Center Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2024-10-01
End date	2025-09-30

Project contacts

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

Errol J Summerlin — errol.summerlin@nasa.gov
Georgia A Denolfo — georgia.a.denolfo@nasa.gov
Nikolaos Paschalidis — nikolaos.paschalidis@nasa.gov
Guiping Liu — guiping.liu@nasa.gov
Amal El Akkraoui — amal.elakkraoui@nasa.gov
Diego Janches — diego.janches@nasa.gov
Fabrizio Sassi — fabrizio.sassi@nasa.gov
Ruth S Lieberman — ruth.s.lieberman@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.