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Dropsonde System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX11CA14C
Agency Tracking Number: 095748
Amount: $599,573.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S3.09
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2009
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-06-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2013-09-30
Small Business Information
MT
Bozeman, MT 59718-6081
United States
DUNS: 118024608
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 John Bognar
 Principal Investigator
 (406) 406-9354
 jbognar@anasphere.com
Business Contact
 John Bognar
Title: Business Official
Phone: (406) 406-9354
Email: jbognar@anasphere.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

A small, modular dropsonde launcher is being developed for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Some critical measurement needs can only be satisfied by in-situ measurements. Key examples of such measurements include detailed atmospheric profiles, point meteorological conditions on the surface, and in-situ measurements for calibration and validation of remote sensing systems.Phase I work saw the design and fabrication of a new type of dropsonde with a novel form factor and the associated launcher. The system was installed in a representative UAV nose. System components were successfully tested.Phase II will involve finalizing the launcher and dropsonde designs, developing the associated control and data handling system, building and testing the integrated system, and finally conducting test flights on a UAV.The ultimate result of the project will be a dropsonde system that can be fitted to many NASA UAVs, including small UAVs, and enable them to gather in-situ atmospheric profiles and surface measurements using dropsondes.The Phase II entry TRL is 5; the expected exit TRL is 8.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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