Miniature Airborne Methane Sensor

KalScott Engineering, and the subcontractor, Princeton University propose the development and demonstration of compact and robust methane sensor for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (s-UAS) by synthesizing state-of-the-art, laser-based detection methods with the rapidly increasing s-UAS market. The overall goal of this project is to develop and demonstrate (via flight test) laser-based flight-weight methane sensors. In Phase I, the sensor will be built and lab-tested, followed by initial flight tests on KalScott's Cessna 210. In Phase II, a refined version of the sensor will be built, and flight tested, first on the Cessna, and then on a small UAS.

The proposed research of the Phase I/II project will result in robust, flightweight laser-based sensors for small UASs, which can be used for greenhouse gas measurements associated with climate change research.

The proposed research of the Phase I/II project will result in robust, flightweight laser-based sensors for small UASs, which can be used for methane emission monitoring in gas/oil extraction industry.

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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