Low-Cost Mixed-Phase Cloud Characterization Sensor Suite

Radiative transfer properties of clouds play an important role in the energy balance of the Earth. Numerous NASA programs and experiments are directed to measuring these effects. In-situ measurements are critical for supporting satellite-borne instruments. While research aircraft carry the best in-situ instruments, the aircraft and instruments are too expensive to provide sufficient coverage. Anasphere is developing a suite of low-cost, balloon-borne instruments that can quantify all three condensed phases of water in clouds: supercooled liquid, liquid, and ice. The first two instruments have been developed and are used around the world. This project is directed to developing the ice water content (IWC) sensor to complete the trio. Addition of an IWC sensor will yield a suite of instruments that can be used for measurements of all cloud types including mixed-phase clouds. In Phase I, an IWC sensor which is a derivative of the preceding successful instruments will be developed. This will entail the development of a suitable ice collection medium and associated calibration equations. Supporting work to be completed will include optimizing Anasphere’s icing wind tunnel for pure ice particle conditions. Phase I will conclude with the new IWC sensor being operated in the icing wind tunnel.

The primary NASA applications are found in two programs: the Earth Observing System through CERES (Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System experiment), and the Radiation Sciences Program through FIRE (First International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project Regional Experiment). The instruments, by virtue of being inexpensive balloon-borne payloads, will enable greater spatial and temporal coverage in support of validation and verification efforts related to these experiments.

Other agencies (especially the Department of Energy) are engaged in radiative transfer research and will be key beneficiaries of this technology. Numerous other agencies and institutions are engaged in various forms of cloud research and could apply this sensor as well.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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