Paper
22 May 2015 Establishing a disruptive new capability for NASA to fly UAV's into hazardous conditions
Jay Ely, Truong Nguyen, Jennifer Wilson, Robert Brown, Sean Laughter, Ed Teets Jr., Allen Parker Jr., Hon Man Chan, Lance Richards
Author Affiliations +
Abstract
A 2015 NASA Aeronautics Mission “Seedling” Proposal is described for a Severe-Environment UAV (SE-UAV) that can perform in-situ measurements in hazardous atmospheric conditions like lightning, volcanic ash and radiation. Specifically, this paper describes the design of a proof-of-concept vehicle and measurement system that can survive lightning attachment during flight operations into thunderstorms. Elements from three NASA centers draw together for the SE-UAV concept. 1) The NASA KSC Genesis UAV was developed in collaboration with the DARPA Nimbus program to measure electric field and X-rays present within thunderstorms. 2) A novel NASA LaRC fiber-optic sensor uses Faraday-effect polarization rotation to measure total lightning electric current on an air vehicle fuselage. 3) NASA AFRC’s state-of-the-art Fiber Optics and Systems Integration Laboratory is envisioned to transition the Faraday system to a compact, light-weight, all-fiber design. The SE-UAV will provide in-flight lightning electric-current return stroke and recoil leader data, and serve as a platform for development of emerging sensors and new missions into hazardous environments. NASA’s Aeronautics and Science Missions are interested in a capability to perform in-situ volcanic plume measurements and long-endurance UAV operations in various weather conditions. (Figure 1 shows an artist concept of a SE-UAV flying near a volcano.) This paper concludes with an overview of the NASA Aeronautics Strategic Vision, Programs, and how a SE-UAV is envisioned to impact them. The SE-UAV concept leverages high-value legacy research products into a new capability for NASA to fly a pathfinder UAV into hazardous conditions, and is presented in the SPIE DSS venue to explore teaming, collaboration and advocacy opportunities outside NASA.
© (2015) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Jay Ely, Truong Nguyen, Jennifer Wilson, Robert Brown, Sean Laughter, Ed Teets Jr., Allen Parker Jr., Hon Man Chan, and Lance Richards "Establishing a disruptive new capability for NASA to fly UAV's into hazardous conditions", Proc. SPIE 9468, Unmanned Systems Technology XVII, 94680S (22 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2185215
Advertisement
Advertisement
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission  Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace
KEYWORDS
Unmanned aerial vehicles

Fiber optics sensors

Sensors

Data acquisition

Fiber optics

Prototyping

Environmental sensing

Back to Top