AURORA (Advanced Ultra-high Resolution Optical Radio frequency) Pathfinder (AURORA)

Active TRL 3

Description

The goal of this work is to deliver a spaceborne TRL 6 hyperspectral microwave sounding instrument utilizing Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) and Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASICs). More specifically, the AURORA Pathfinder will measure the Earth's thermal microwave spectrum in the 100-200 GHz range, which contains critical information in the Earth's surface and atmospheric Planetary Boundary Layer, as well as atmospheric temperature, water vapor and hydrometeors.The long-term impact includes improved environmental monitoring, enhanced weather forecasting, and a deeper understanding of climate dynamics, ultimately contributing to the advancement of Earth science. The objectives of this AURORA Pathfinder project are: 1.) Development of the Pathfinder instrument (excluding spacecraft interfaces) 2.) Environmental testing and verification of the Pathfinder instrument

Benefits

Maturation of observing systems, instrument technology, and measurement concepts for Planetary Boundary Layer and Surface Topography and Vegetation

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > Remote Sensing Instruments and Sensors
Program	Decadal Survey Incubation (DSI)
Lead organization	Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date	2024-10-01
End date	2027-09-30

Project contacts

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

Antonia Gambacorta
Omkar P Pradhan — omkar.pradhan@jpl.nasa.gov
Shannon R Brown — shannon.r.brown@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.