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Expendable Guided Dropsonde

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX11CD70P
Agency Tracking Number: 105028
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: S3.09
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2011-02-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-09-29
Small Business Information
744 South Euclid Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85719-6626
United States
DUNS: 791029551
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jason Douglas
 Principal Investigator
 (520) 792-2006
 jason.douglas@latitudeengineering.com
Business Contact
 Jason Douglas
Title: Business Official
Phone: (520) 792-2006
Email: jason.douglas@latitudeengineering.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Given the constraints associated with current airborne host platforms, a technological solution is needed for efficiently obtaining meteorological data at targeted locations and altitudes. A combination of using manned and unmanned aircraft with guided dropsondes is a promising and achievable path forward for meeting this need. Guided dropsondes have significant implications to advance research in nearly all scientific disciplines requiring in situ atmospheric measurements. Compared to conventional free-fall dropsondes that rely on parachutes, guided dropsondes could offer speed controlled descents combined with loiter abilities. This can potentially yield time averaged data for a particular regionÂ?a feature not currently available with current dropsonde technology. The guided dropsonde's ability to move to targeted areas of interest gains sensors an unprecedented level of access to extreme areas and events. Being able to move to a designated area will also offer the potential to retrieve the guided dropsonde, giving it the capability to become an in situ sampler. For volcanic eruptions or pollution studies, this can become a powerful new tool where few options, if any, currently exist.

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

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