← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Improved ultrasonic measurements of the upper stratospheric winds (SPARROW-II)

Completed TRL 7 (started at 1, targeting 7)

Description

This project aims to integrate a custom anemometer designed for low-density applications into the existing Sensor Package for Attitude, Rotation, and Relative Observable Winds-I (SPARROW-I) prototype (renamed SPARROW-II). The project will culminate with a flight demonstration from Ft. Sumner in 2021.

Benefits

SPARROW-II will measure relative wind speed and direction seen by a scientific balloon gondola during the ascent, float, and descent phases of flight. A successful wind speed measurement in the float environment is a key milestone to the development of a balloon trajectory control system for NASA's 18.8mcf Super Pressure Balloon.

Details

Technology areaAutonomous Systems > Situational and Self-Awareness Technologies > State Estimation and Monitoring
ProgramCenter Independent Research & Development: GSFC IRAD (GSFC IRAD)
Lead organizationWallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, VA
Start date2020-10-01
End date2021-09-30

Project contacts

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

How to get involved

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.