Multi-Purpose Above Surface/Below Surface Expendable Dropsondes (MASED)

There are currently no inexpensive, expendable air-deployed monitoring systems (Dropsondes) that measure atmospheric data and oceanographic as a function of depth. These are important data in predicting the intensity and path of hurricanes. Boston Engineering proposes to provide NOAA with a solution to this challenge with the Multi-Purpose Above Surface/Below Surface Expendable Dropsonde (MASED) proven feasible in Phase I. Our team will work closely with NOAA to develop the MASED to be able to conduct an aerial deployment at the end of the Phase II SBIR, collecting meteorological data during the aerial descent followed by 5 descent-ascent cycles collecting marine data to 200 meters depth. In addition to hurricane forecasting, the data will have general oceanographic applications, and the dropsonde can be fitted with a dissolved oxygen sensor that may be used to map areas of hypoxia, with application to fisheries and the fishing industry. In Phase II, Boston Engineering will design, test and refine MASED prototypes, and will demonstrate operation under actual conditions. Boston Engineering has developed a plan to carry the Phase II program to the commercial product level through a combination of licensing and manufacture and sale of products.