Next-Gen Precipitation Intensity System for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

The proposed innovation enhances observations of precipitation intensity information to support safe and scalable advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. Current precipitation monitoring methods lack the spatial and temporal resolution required for AAM decision-making, particularly for rain rate and drop size distribution (DSD) observations at low altitudes. This effort will develop a novel, near real-time approach to precipitation monitoring by leveraging emerging ground-based radar systems, citizen science networks, and advanced data processing techniques to improve the accuracy and precision of rain rate and DSD measurements. Unlike traditional rain gauges that measure accumulated rainfall, this technology will provide instantaneous rain rate observations critical for optimizing battery efficiency, identifying safe flight routes, and ensuring passenger and cargo safety. Phase I will focus on cataloging existing rain rate and DSD observation techniques, identifying key gaps in current methods, and assessing emerging technologies suitable for AAM applications. This work will inform the design of a high-resolution precipitation monitoring system tailored to AAM corridors. The proposed approach aligns with NASA’s broader aeronautics and weather research initiatives by enhancing real-time atmospheric observations and improving aviation weather models. Beyond AAM, this innovation has broader applications in urban weather resilience, hydrology, and flood risk mitigation. Funding from this SBIR will support the technical feasibility assessment, system architecture development, and the identification of commercialization pathways for the proposed precipitation monitoring technology.
Benefits: This innovation directly supports NASA’s aeronautics research initiatives, including the Advanced Air Vehicles Program (AAVP) and the Revolutionary Vertical Lift Technology (RVLT) project. In alignment with NASA’s UAM Airspace Research Roadmap, improved precipitation intensity information will enhance AAM safety, airframe performance modeling, and the development of weather-aware flight planning tools. Additionally, the technology will provide validation data for NASA’s Earth-observing satellite missions, such as the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission and the Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) on GOES satellites, improving satellite-derived precipitation estimates. The effort will also align with and support the transition from traditional weather sources to performance-based standards such as ASTM F3673, which will guide AAM weather requirements. By addressing critical gaps in precipitation monitoring, this innovation will enhance situational awareness, inform regulatory compliance, and contribute to the scalability of AAM and UAM operations. Beyond NASA, this innovation has significant commercialization potential across multiple industries. AAM operators, including UAS and eVTOL service providers, require high-resolution precipitation data to optimize flight operations, reduce energy consumption, and mitigate weather-related risks. Additionally, improved rain rate and DSD observations will benefit hydrologists, emergency management agencies, and urban planners seeking to enhance flood resilience and stormwater management strategies. The ability to provide hyperlocal precipitation insights also supports agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and climate research applications. This innovation represents a critical advancement in environmental monitoring, with broad implications for public safety and commercial weather services.