NASA plans to award at least two multiyear contracts to demonstrate whether unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) can support earth science research.
The space agency says the technology has progressed to the point that UAVs could "become a robust component of the suborbital programme in earth science".
The UAV-based Science Demonstration Programme (UAVSDP) is intended to show that hazardous research missions can be conducted from a long-duration, subsonic UAV.
NASA believes UAVs could be used for climate variability measurement and prediction, disaster management, environmental monitoring and to detect natural resources. The contracts could include payload development, sensor integration, flight testing, deployment and operations support and data analysis. UAV platform development and significant new instrument development are not covered.
NASA officials expect the selected UAVs to be in operation within 24 months of contract award. The space agency has earmarked $12 million for UAVSDP between fiscal years 2000 and 2002. The deadline for bids is 5 April, with contract awards expected in July.
NASA has concerns over UAV usage. "The UAV industry has made great progress in the development of vehicle capabilities. Operation of this class of aircraft and the vehicle reliability are in the formative stages, however, and the ability to fly globally over a specific area may be limited.
Source: Flight International
