Continued Development of an Airborne System for Direct Validation of Regional Carbon Flux Estimates (CARAFE)

The innovative elements in the proposed work are: 1) to modify commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) instrumentation into a new capacity for direct airborne flux measurement and 2) to facilitate development of a GHG flux measurement facility that will provide a new tool for NASA Earth Sciences. Although the eddy covariance technique is well established, historically NASA has had limited involvement in these measurements. Adaption of relatively inexpensive instrumentation for GHG flux measurements is enabled by new commercial instruments using advanced laser detection methods (e.g., Los Gatos Research (LGR), Picarro Inc., etc.). While these instruments are relatively turn-key by design, implementation with airborne eddy covariance is a sophisticated endeavor requiring multiple experienced and specialized personnel – something that NASA is uniquely situated to provide.

Executive Summary

 The purpose of the Goddard Space Flight Center’s Internal Research and Development (IRAD) program is to support new technology development and to address scientific challenges.  Each year, Principal Investigators (PIs) submit IRAD proposals and compete for funding for their development projects.  Goddard’s IRAD program supports eight Lines of Business: Astrophysics; Communications and Navigation; Cross-Cutting Technology and Capabilities; Earth Science; Heliophysics; Planetary Science; Science Small Satellites Technology; and Suborbital Platforms and Range Services.

Task progress is evaluated twice a year at the Mid-term IRAD review and the end of the year. When the funding period has ended, the PIs compete again for IRAD funding or seek new sources of development and research funding or agree to external partnerships and collaborations.  In some cases, when the development work has reached the appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level, the product is integrated into an actual NASA mission or used to support other government agencies. The technology may also be licensed out to the industry.

The completion of a project does not necessarily indicate that the development work has stopped.  The work could potentially continue in the future as a follow-on IRAD; or used in collaboration or partnership with Academia, Industry and other Government Agencies.

If you are interested in partnering with NASA, see the TechPort Partnerships documentation available on the TechPort Help tab. http://techport.nasa.gov/help