Sensing of Upper Atmosphere

Accurate observations and forecasts of meteorological conditions in the battlespace are of extreme importance to the most effective employment of military assets. In many instances, it is not possible to gather in-situ meteorological data by routine means such as sounding balloons carrying radiosondes. There is a need to provide a means by which such data may be gathered with the requisite accuracy and density even over denied or hostile territory; it is also desirable to obtain such measurements in the most covert manner possible. Anasphere proposes to develop a phenomenally cost-effective and simple means of achieving this goal while maximizing use of existing infrastructure and capabilities. Most importantly, the proposed method will employ existing, proven radiosondes and existing radiosonde receivers, thus maximizing use of existing training procedures and infrastructure and minimizing the capital cost to implement the system. In Phase I, a proof-of-concept system will be designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. A follow-on system will be defined that builds on the demonstrated Phase I system and implements extensive communication and hardware upgrades. Phase II would see fabrication and field demonstration of the upgraded design.