Ultrasensitive Atmospheric Analyzer for Miniature UAVs, Phase I

In this SBIR Phase I effort, Los Gatos Research (LGR) proposes to develop a highly-accurate, lightweight, low-power gas analyzer for quantification of water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) aboard miniature unmanned aerial vehicles (mini-UAVs). This analyzer, which will exploit LGR's patented Off-Axis ICOS technology, will be the first sensor capable of meeting the stringent weight, power, and environmental requirements for miniature UAV deployments. Such deployments are critically important to NASA's Earth Science Division, because they enable more efficient and cost effective Earth observation measurements. These measurements complement current satellite observations by providing higher horizontal resolution and vertical profiling, enabling better quantification of carbon sources and sinks.

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.

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.