Suggested Searches

FireSense Missoula Deployment

The anemometer is one of two sensors mounted on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system...
The anemometer is one of two sensors mounted on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. These two sensors measure wind speed and direction; the FireSense teams hopes that by giving them wings, researchers can enable micrometeorology to better predict fire and smoke behavior.
Rotor blades for the NASA Alta X quadcopter sit in the control tent, ready for assembly.
Rotor blades for the NASA Alta X quadcopter sit in the control tent, ready for assembly.
The radiosonde is one of two sensors mounted on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system...
The radiosonde is one of two sensors mounted on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. These two sensors measure wind speed and direction; the FireSense teams hopes that by giving them wings, researchers can enable micrometeorology to better predict fire and smoke behavior.
Robert McSwain, FireSense UAS Lead, speaks with UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain next to the NASA Alta X quadcopter,...
Robert McSwain, FireSense UAS Lead, speaks with UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain next to the NASA Alta X quadcopter, between launches for the FireSense’s uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler (center, blue hat) and FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman (second from right) speak with visitors...
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler (center, blue hat) and FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman (second from right) speak with visitors from the US Forest Service, Region 1, during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain tightens a rotor blade on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed...
UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain tightens a rotor blade on the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
A notebook for the Skydio-2 drone sits in a storage bin during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration...
A notebook for the Skydio-2 drone sits in a storage bin during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The Skydio-2 drone was flown to capture footage of the NASA Alta X quadcopter in the air.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter rises into the sky during one of eight launches for the FireSense uncrewed aerial system...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter rises into the sky during one of eight launches for the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends over the mountains during one of eight launches for the FireSense uncrewed aerial system...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends over the mountains during one of eight launches for the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler breaks down the campaign plan for Dan Zumpfe, Science and Operations Officer at the Missoula...
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler breaks down the campaign plan for Dan Zumpfe, Science and Operations Officer at the Missoula National Weather Service.
Team members from NASA and Salish Kootenai College stand in the control tent to watch the progress of the NASA...
Team members from NASA and Salish Kootenai College stand in the control tent to watch the progress of the NASA Alta X quadcopter as it performs one of eight flights of the campaign.
UAS Ground Station Operator Jacob Revesz (left) explains the ground operations of a drone flight to FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn...
UAS Ground Station Operator Jacob Revesz (left) explains the ground operations of a drone flight to FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
UAS Ground Station Operator Jacob Revesz plans flight paths for the NASA Alta X quadcopter and monitors progress from the...
UAS Ground Station Operator Jacob Revesz plans flight paths for the NASA Alta X quadcopter and monitors progress from the ground control computer. The drone can also be piloted directly from the ground control computer if necessary.
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler prepares data from recent launches to send to the National Weather Service, during the FireSense...
FireSense Project Manager Jennifer Fowler prepares data from recent launches to send to the National Weather Service, during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
Danny Johnson (left) and Travis Christopher (right) inflate a weather balloon ahead of a launch, outfitted with a radiosonde sensor...
Danny Johnson (left) and Travis Christopher (right) inflate a weather balloon ahead of a launch, outfitted with a radiosonde sensor to gather data on wind speed and direction. This team from Salish Kootenai College is one of two teams that supported the FireSense UAS Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
Danny Johnson (back) and Travis Christopher (front) tie off a weather balloon ahead of a launch, outfitted with a radiosonde...
Danny Johnson (back) and Travis Christopher (front) tie off a weather balloon ahead of a launch, outfitted with a radiosonde sensor to gather data on wind speed and direction. This team from Salish Kootenai College is one of two teams that supported the FireSense UAS Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter sits at the ready between launches as the drone crew waits for clearance to take...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter sits at the ready between launches as the drone crew waits for clearance to take off. This uncrewed aerial system (UAS) carried two sensors, a radiosonde and an anemometer, to measure wind speed and direction during the 2024 FireSense UAS technology demonstration.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter sits in a field in Missoula, outfitted with a special structure to carry a radiosonde...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter sits in a field in Missoula, Montana, outfitted with a structure engineered at Langley Research Center to carry a radiosonde and an anemometer into the air. In the background, two deer make their way across the field. The drone and its payload were part of the August 2024 FireSense campaign, which looked at the applicability of using controllable, repeatable airborne measurements to more accurately predict fire and smoke behavior.
A variety of pressure gauges on the compressed gas tanks display readings for the weather balloon teams out of Salish...
A variety of pressure gauges on the compressed gas tanks display readings for the weather balloon teams out of Salish Kootenai College and University of Idaho, who performed 15 launches over the three day campaign.
The iconic NASA worm logo sits on the arm of the Alta X quadcopter as it sits at the ready...
The iconic NASA worm logo sits on the arm of the Alta X quadcopter as it sits at the ready between launches. This uncrewed aerial system (UAS) carried two sensors, a radiosonde and an anemometer, to measure wind speed and direction during the 2024 FireSense UAS technology demonstration.
NASA Langley drone team members (from left) Todd Ferrante, Brayden Chamberlain, and Jacob Revesz check the NASA Alta X quadcopter...
NASA Langley drone team members (from left) Todd Ferrante, Brayden Chamberlain, and Jacob Revesz check the NASA Alta X quadcopter between launches during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman prepares to release a weather balloon into the sky on the last day of the...
FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman prepares to release a weather balloon into the sky on the last day of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The weather balloon is outfitted with a radiosonde sensor, which provides data on wind speed and direction.
FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman releases a weather balloon into the sky on the last day of the FireSense uncrewed...
FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman releases a weather balloon into the sky on the last day of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) Technology Demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The weather balloon is outfitted with a radiosonde sensor, which provides data on wind speed and direction.
: A weather balloon carrying a radiosonde sensor flies into the sky before vanishing from sight. The radiosondes provide data...
: A weather balloon carrying a radiosonde sensor flies into the sky before vanishing from sight. The radiosondes provide data on wind speed and direction, and are currently used across the United States for weather forecasting.
A group of NASA researchers, pilots, and engineers watch as the NASA Alta X gears up for takeoff in one...
A group of NASA researchers, pilots, and engineers watch as the NASA Alta X gears up for takeoff in one of the final launches of the 2024 FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The UAS pilot in command, Brayden Chamberlain, flashes a “good to go” signal to the command tent, indicating that the...
UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain flashes a ‘good to go’ signal to the command tent, indicating that the NASA Alta X quadcopter is prepped for takeoff.
The Skydio-2 drone sits in a field just before takeoff during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in...
The Skydio-2 drone sits in a field just before takeoff during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The Skydio-2 was flown to capture images and videos of the NASA Alta X quadcopter in flight.
A composite image shows the flight path of the NASA Alta X quadcopter as it performs a ‘vertical sounding,’ flying...
A composite image shows the flight path of the NASA Alta X quadcopter as it performs a ‘vertical sounding,’ flying low to the ground then straight up into the air to collect data in a vertical column.
Tim Wallace radios in to request clearance for takeoff while Todd Ferrante prepares the Skydio-2 drone for launch during the...
Tim Wallace radios in to request clearance for takeoff while Todd Ferrante prepares the Skydio-2 drone for launch during the last day of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The Skydio-2 drone hovers in the air during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The...
The Skydio-2 drone hovers in the air during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The Skydio-2 was flown to capture images and videos of the NASA Alta X quadcopter in flight.
US Forest Service members Chris Bolz (left) and Evan Day (right) watch the final launch of the NASA Alta X...
US Forest Service members Chris Bolz (left) and Evan Day (right) watch the final launch of the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana. The US Forest Service is a potential user of this technology, as increased accuracy and repeatability of wind forecasting could greatly improve fire behavior predictions.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends from its final flight as part of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends from its final flight as part of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends from its final flight as part of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter descends from its final flight as part of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain (left) and Range Safety Officer Dustin Schmitt (right) watch the NASA Alta X quadcopter...
UAS Pilot in Command Brayden Chamberlain (left) and Range Safety Officer Dustin Schmitt (right) watch the NASA Alta X quadcopter as it descends from its final flight of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
The NASA Alta X quadcopter and the Skydio-2 drone hover over the mountain during the final flight of the FireSense...
The NASA Alta X quadcopter and the Skydio-2 drone hover over the mountain during the final flight of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
Range Safety Officer Dustin Schmitt watches the NASA Alta X quadcopter and the Skydio-2 drone as they descend from the...
Range Safety Officer Dustin Schmitt watches the NASA Alta X quadcopter and the Skydio-2 drone as they descend from the final flight of the FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
Teams from NASA FireSense, NASA Langley, NASA Ames, MITRE, Esri, Salish Kootenai College, and the University of Idaho gather for...
Teams from NASA FireSense, NASA Langley, NASA Ames, MITRE, Esri, Salish Kootenai College, and the University of Idaho gather for a group photo around the NASA Alta X quadcopter during the 2024 FireSense uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration in Missoula, Montana.
FireSense UAS Lead Robert McSwain speaks to a classroom of students at the University of Montana, which partnered with NASA...
FireSense UAS Lead Robert McSwain speaks to a classroom of students at the University of Montana, which partnered with NASA FireSense for the 2024 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology demonstration. McSwain and the Langley drone team brought the NASA Alta X quadcopter to talk about the goals of the campaign, speaking on the heels of a presentation given by NASA FireSense Project Scientist Jacquelyn Shuman (not pictured).