University of Hertfordshire Completes Climate Research Instrument for NASA Global Hawk

By Caroline Rees / 17 Mar 2015

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

NASA Global HawkScientists at the University of Hertfordshire have designed and built a new type of instrument for climate research that is capable of detecting and analysing microscopic airborne particles at altitudes twice as high as a commercial jet flies.

The instrument, called an Aerosol Ice Interface Transition Spectrometer (AIITS), has been built specifically to fly on NASA’s unique Global Hawk unmanned aircraft, based in California and capable of flying continuously for twenty hours or more at altitudes up to 65,000ft.

Developed by the University’s Centre for Atmospheric and Instrumentation Research (CAIR) in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Manchester, AIITS will give atmospheric scientists previously unobtainable details of the size, shape and structure of microscopic cloud particles that are present in the highest levels of our atmosphere.

It works by allowing the minute airborne ice crystals, dust particles, water droplets and even some biological particles to pass through a laser beam as the aircraft flies through them at hundreds of miles per hour. Each particle scatters the light in a complex pattern that is captured by a system of lenses and ultra-sensitive cameras. Each pattern can be used to classify or even identify the particles – just like a thumbprint.

Dr Chris Stopford, one of the AIITS designers said: “AIITS is one of the first UK-built instruments to fly on NASA’s Global Hawk, and we’re gathering data from particles no-one has been able to acquire before – it’s tremendously exciting from both scientific and personal perspectives”.

Professor Paul Kaye, Hertfordshire’s lead on the AIITS project, said: “This is about as close to ground-breaking science that we can get in the atmospheric physics field and it is also the first time that UK-built instruments have been flown on this amazing aircraft.”

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Military Vehicles to Feature Small Tethered UAS from Elistair

Elistair has secured a €3 million contract to equip military vehicles with tethered UAS, enhancing real-time intelligence and operational awareness

Feb 13, 2025
Advancing Airspace Integration & Delivery Management Using Drones in Scotland

ANRA Technologies has helped advance drone-based medical deliveries in Scotland through the CAELUS project, enhancing airspace integration, BVLOS operations, and UTM systems

Feb 13, 2025
New Survey-Grade UAV LiDAR Systems Launched

At Geo Week 2025, GeoCue launched TV1 Lite and the TV1 LiDAR scanners for drones, aiming to bring precision and affordability to the forefront of the geospatial industry

Feb 13, 2025
XPONENTIAL Europe to Spotlight 5G Networks for Autonomous Systems

XPONENTIAL Europe 2025, taking place from 18-20 February in Düsseldorf, will highlight how 5G innovation enhances uncrewed systems and robotics, with Vodafone providing a private 5G campus network in Hall 1

Feb 13, 2025
Enhancing Security Through Real-Time Video Solutions

LiveU’s Joseph Yaker talks to UST about patented LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) bonding technology that employs connections like 4G/5G cellular, LEO satellite, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for highly resilient, and secure real-time video transmission

Feb 12, 2025
T-DRONES Introduces New VTOL UAV with Long-Endurance & High Payload Capacity

T-DRONES introduces the VTOL VA32, a versatile unmanned aerial vehicle built for long-duration flights, high payload capacity, and reliable performance in a variety of industrial applications

Feb 12, 2025

Featured Content

Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Feb 06, 2025
Vertiq’s 81-08 G2 Module Added to DIU’s Blue UAS Framework

Vertiq's 81-08 G2 servo motor and control system for Group 2 sUAS has become the first motor and ESC combination to be approved under the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework

Feb 05, 2025