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Drone Facilitated Instrumentation for Electric-Field & Lightning Detection (Drone-FIELD)
Completed
TRL 2 (started at 2, targeting 6)
Description
This innovation proposal is one component of a larger proposed project to continue the NASA Airborne Electric Field Measurements (AEFM) campaign that ended over 20 years ago. These data collection efforts are instrumental in increasing the availability to launch space craft from our nations many launch facilities. This continuation of the AEFM campaign is critical to expanding the launch availability and access to space for our national and private space industries.
Benefits
The impact of this innovative approach to measuring electric fields aloft will have a global impact on our nations space launch accessibility. By reducing the number of scrubs due to LLCC violations; we will be able to directly increase our nations access to space.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA |
| 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.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.