GlobalSense: A New Atmospheric Observing System Featuring Innovative Airborne Probes

The underlying framework for modern-day weather forecasting is numerical weather prediction (NWP). Even the current and planned weather observing platforms leave gaps that are insufficient to meet the requirements of NWP. Mano Nanotechnologies, Inc. proposes a new environmental sensing system, known as “GlobalSense”, which will enable transformational forecast improvements by filing these critical data gaps and benefit a broad range of applications with sensitivity to atmospheric conditions. The GlobalSense system features an ensemble of completely disposable, airborne probes, mechanisms to deploy probes, and receiver platforms to gather data from probes. The ultra-compact probes known as eMotes will leverage ongoing trends in component integration and miniaturization to provide low cost, wireless sensing capability and will function as passive drifters using no active propulsion or flight. eMotes will be designed to remain airborne and make measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind velocity for hours or longer depending on atmospheric conditions and deployment altitude. The Phase I project objective is to design and simulate various elements of the GlobalSense system. Commercial modeling and design software will be used to optimize eMote mechanical and electrical architecture as well as address functional system specifications that resulted from previous tradeoff studies.