The S2 XT, a Purpose Built UAS for Volcanic Observation
Abstract
The monitoring of volcanic systems present a variety of challenges for UAS based observations including explosive and acidic emissions, rugged and remote terrain, high altitudes, inclement weather and strong winds. Additionally, accurate characterization of phenomena related to volcanic activity require a large array of sensing capabilities. This work presents the development of a purpose-built UAS based ecosystem for volcanic observation. This centers around a unique payload capable of simultaneously making a variety of observations including capturing IR and EO imagery, assessing particulate size and distribution, performing trace gas measurement, and recording atmospheric thermodynamic properties. The aircraft designed to carry the payload is small enough to be man-portable, but remains rugged and capable, able to operate at high altitudes and in strong winds. The materials for construction have been specifically selected to handle corrosive environments as well as dense ash clouds. Additionally, significant work has gone into greatly simplifying mission design and execution, allowing complex sampling patterns to be created using an intuitive gesture-based user-interface.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2018
- Bibcode:
- 2018AGUFM.A41N3190E
- Keywords:
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- 3305 Climate change and variability;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3307 Boundary layer processes;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3311 Clouds and aerosols;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSESDE: 3394 Instruments and techniques;
- ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES