Hyperspectral Optical Profiling System with Advanced Dynamic Vertical Sampling Resolution (Hy-OPS ADVSR)

The principal innovation proposed by the Hyperspectral Optical Profiling System with Advanced Dynamic Vertical Sampling Resolution (Hy-OPS ADVSR) project is the development of a thruster-driven dynamically stabilized in-water hyperspectral profiler utilizing a harmonized Compact Optical Radiometric Element (CORE) and a modular design to support the collection of optical and ancillary data capable of meeting PACE mission spectral resolution and data product uncertainty requirements. This is in response to the solicitation S11.05 request for innovative, high-value sensors directly targeting the stated NASA need for ocean hyperspectral UV-Vis-NIR water-leaving radiance. The profiler will be optimized to address a critical gap in existing technology which is that no commercially available profiling package is available that can obtain hyperspectral measurements of the ocean upwelling radiance within the upper 1 m of the ocean with the high Vertical Sampling Resolution (VSR) necessary for compliant in-water profiling. The Hy-OPS ADVSR project is based on a modular concept to support a diverse Community of Practice (CoP), with multiple optical geometries and configurations to maximize the applicable sampling scenarios and simultaneously support scaling of system cost with science goals. Phase I successfully developed the modular CORE component with radiance entrance optics and demonstrated the ADVSR deployment architecture, proving feasibility. The Phase II effort will advance the accomplishments of Phase I to build the envisioned hyperspectral prototype profiling system and exploit the modularity of the CORE, leading to a radiometrically compatible solar irradiance sensor. Target markets include Calibration, Validation and/or Research activities as well as environmental monitoring and sampling for Case II and spatially constrained water masses, taxonomic identification and phytoplankton diversity studies, and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) detection algorithm development.

—In-situ Calibration, Validation and/or Research activities for the PACE and GLIMR missions and other studies (e.g. SBG). —Follow-on adaptations of the modular hyperspectral architecture for above-water, airborne, and USV / UAS hosted autonomous measurement campaigns. —Research and environmental monitoring and sampling for Case II and spatially constrained water masses. —Alternative sensor and payload options for in-situ and remote sensing data collection and data processing requiring a highly capable tethered ROV for marine environments. —Calibration, Validation, and/or Research activities for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). —Calibration, Validation, and/or Research activities for private hyperspectral earth observation constellations (i.e. Planet Lab's "Tanager"). —Taxonomic identification, and phytoplankton diversity studies. —Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) detection algorithm development. —Alternative sensor and payload options for in-situ and remote sensing data collection and data processing requiring a highly capable tethered ROV for marine environments.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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