SBIR/STTR
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Diode Laser Sensor for Methane, Phase II
Project Introduction
An aircraft system for detecting ambient methane will be developed in this project. The system will use a diode laser to perform a wavelength modulation absorption measurement of this greenhouse gas. The optical system will feature a open path system that is mounted outside the aircraft. The system will make measurements at a 10 Hz rate.
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Anticipated Benefits
The instrument developed in this project will be used to measure an important greenhouse gas which NASA is actively interested in their air campaigns. Because of its low weight, small size, and low power consumption, this instrument will be easily configured to perform measurements on a small unmanned aerial vehicle.
Aside from NASA, atmospheric researchers and other government agencies such as DOE and NCAR will have interest in using the instrument being developed for aerial campaigns. The Phase I apparatus can be used for car top natural gas leak detection by utility companies. The aircraft version of the instrument will have applications in pipeline monitoring and gas exploration. More »
Aside from NASA, atmospheric researchers and other government agencies such as DOE and NCAR will have interest in using the instrument being developed for aerial campaigns. The Phase I apparatus can be used for car top natural gas leak detection by utility companies. The aircraft version of the instrument will have applications in pipeline monitoring and gas exploration. More »
Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, MD |
| Southwest Sciences, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Santa Fe, NM |
| Southwest Sciences, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Santa Fe, NM |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
New Mexico
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Project Duration
Start: May 2015
End: Nov 2017
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 4 |
| Current: | 5 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 8 Science Instruments, Observatories, and Sensor Systems
- TA 8.3 In-Situ Instruments and Sensors
- TA 8.3.3 In-Situ (other)