Cloud Droplet Characterization System for Unmanned Aircraft, Phase I

The proposed DMS technology will meet the NASA's need to add in situ cloud measurement capabilities to small research UAS's. Deployment of the DMS implemented as a compact and lightweight economic package on small UAS's will result in reduced costs and improved coverage of the NASA's UAS-based atmospheric measurement campaigns. Precise and extensive cloud characterization data will lead to better understanding of the contribution of atmospheric clouds to Earth's radiative budget and climate change. Other potential applications include characterization of atmospheric aerosols, particulate matter in volcanic ash plumes and fuel sprays. The proposed DMS will be of interest to research institutions and government agencies involved in atmospheric measurements. Flexibility and low cost of the proposed technology will make it compatible with a variety of airborne- and ground-based platforms and suitable for other applications such as characterization of atmospheric aerosols, volcanic ash plumes and industrial/agricultural sprays. More »