MISSOULA, Mont. - In Aug. 2024, a team of NASA researchers and partners gathered in Missoula, Montana to test new drone-based technology for localized forecasting, or micrometeorology. Researchers attached wind sensors to a drone, NASA’s Alta X quadcopter, aiming to provide precise and sustainable meteorological data to help predict fire behavior, Milan Loiacono writes for NASA. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
19 February 2025 - NASA’s FireSense project is enhancing wildland fire management by equipping operational agencies with advanced technology. The team selected the Alta X drone due to its existing use by the U.S. Forest Service, which simplifies sensor integration and reduces costs.
Two key sensors were chosen for their ease of adoption: a radiosonde, which measures weather conditions and is used by the National Weather Service, and an anemometer, which tracks wind speed and direction and is commonly found at weather stations and airports.
Drones provide real-time, localized weather data, allowing on-site forecasters to update conditions every few hours. This information helps fire crews make critical decisions on resource deployment, fire line placement, and community protection. Additionally, compared to traditional methods, using drones for forecasting minimizes environmental and financial costs.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
