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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 5)
NASA and GSFC have awarded an SBIR “Select” Phase 2 effort to develop a scanning lidar transceiver to be part of the new Cloud-Aerosol Multi-Angle Lidar (CAMAL) instrument for use with the ER-2 high altitude aircraft. This IRAD will fund the efforts required to continue the development of the CAMAL instrument and to ensure that the SBIR “Select” effort will smoothly integrate with the CAMAL instrument.
The purpose of this project is to design and build a new scanning Lidar instrument for use on the NASA ER-2 high altitude aircraft.
This project will provide ground validation for the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) which is a lidar system that will be operating while attached to the International Space Station.
This project will serve as a proof of concept technology for the Aerosol-Cloud-Ecosystem (ACE) mission.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
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.
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