Intercomparison of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Measurements for Atmospheric Science During the LAPSE-RATE Campaign

Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are rapidly transforming atmospheric research. With the advancement of the development and application of these systems, improving knowledge of best practices for accurate measurement is critical for achieving scientific goals. We present results from an intercomparison of atmospheric measurement data from the Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation—a Remotely piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) field campaign. We evaluate a total of 38 individual sUAS with 23 unique sensor and platform configurations using a meteorological tower for reference measurements. We assess precision, bias, and time response of sUAS measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. Most sUAS measurements show broad agreement with the reference, particularly temperature and wind speed, with mean value differences of 1.6 ± 2.6 °C and 0.22 ± 0.59 m/s for all sUAS, respectively. sUAS platform and sensor configurations were found to contribute significantly to measurement accuracy. Sensor configurations, which included proper aspiration and radiation shielding of sensors, were found to provide the most accurate thermodynamic measurements (temperature and relative humidity), whereas sonic anemometers on multirotor platforms provided the most accurate wind measurements (horizontal speed and direction). We contribute both a characterization and assessment of sUAS for measuring atmospheric parameters, and identify important challenges and opportunities for improving scientific measurements with sUAS

UW Dawgstar: One Third of ION-F - An element of the Ionospheric Observation Nanosatellite Formation (ION-F)

The preliminary design for the UW Dawgstar nanosatellite is presented. The Dawgstar is a 13 kg satellite designed as a part of the University Nanosatellite Program funded by AFOSR, DARPA, AFRL, and NASA. The goal of this two-year program is to design, build, and fly nanosatellites. The mission overview is detailed, including the coupling with the University partners Utah State and Virginia Tech in the Ionospheric Observation Nanosatellite Formation (ION-F). The mission includes several formations and formation keeping experiments, and distributed ionospheric measurements. Each of the subsystems is also detailed, including the design and integration of eight miniature pulsed plasma thrusters for attitude control and formation flying

The Northern Ireland political process: a viable approach to conflict resolution?

This article explores the possibility of achieving a stable settlement as the result of the current negotiations in Northern Ireland. It looks at the decisions behind the 1994 ceasefires, the perceptions of the parties to the 'talks', and the obstacles in the political process. The main focus is on the applicability and limits of conflict resolution 'theories' in explaining the shift from conflict to negotiation and the possibility of concluding a lasting negotiated settlement. It suggests that while conflict resolution is unlikely, conflict regulation is within the realms of the current negotiations, if combined with a different approach to nationalism and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution'

Intercomparison of Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Measurements for Atmospheric Science during the LAPSE-RATE Campaign

Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are rapidly transforming atmospheric research. With the advancement of the development and application of these systems, improving knowledge of best practices for accurate measurement is critical for achieving scientific goals. We present results from an intercomparison of atmospheric measurement data from the Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation—a Remotely piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) field campaign. We evaluate a total of 38 individual sUAS with 23 unique sensor and platform configurations using a meteorological tower for reference measurements. We assess precision, bias, and time response of sUAS measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction. Most sUAS measurements show broad agreement with the reference, particularly temperature and wind speed, with mean value differences of 1.6 ±2.6∘ C and 0.22 ±0.59 m/s for all sUAS, respectively. sUAS platform and sensor configurations were found to contribute significantly to measurement accuracy. Sensor configurations, which included proper aspiration and radiation shielding of sensors, were found to provide the most accurate thermodynamic measurements (temperature and relative humidity), whereas sonic anemometers on multirotor platforms provided the most accurate wind measurements (horizontal speed and direction). We contribute both a characterization and assessment of sUAS for measuring atmospheric parameters, and identify important challenges and opportunities for improving scientific measurements with sUAS

Unmanned Aircraft Get Together: The LAPSE-RATE Campaign

Members of the international community developing unmanned aircraft for atmospheric research conducted a highly successful coordinated flight week in Colorado during the summer of 2018 to collect measurements, develop capabilities, and enhance community in the field

Softwarenutzung im Umbruch: Von der Software-Lizenz zum Cloudbasierten Business Process Outsourcing

Bislang war die Rollenverteilung eindeutig geregelt: Die Beschaffung von „Standardsoftware“ war eine Aufgabe für die IT-Leitung. Im Kern war es ein Bestellprozess für Softwarelizenzen. Die Unternehmensführung (CEO) konnte sich darauf konzentrieren, die Unternehmensstrategie zu entwickeln und in diesem Zusammenhang das Budget für die IT bereitzustellen. Strategisch in der Unternehmensführung diskutiert, wurden lediglich Softwarebeschaffungsprojekte mit Einfluss auf sämtliche Unternehmensabläufe – wie z. B. die Einführung eines ERP-Systems. Die rasch zunehmende Digitalisierung verändert aber nicht nur die Arbeitsweise in den Unternehmen, sondern auch das IT-Management selbst. Aufgrund der veränderten Produktpolitik großer Softwareanbieter wie z. B. Microsoft sind zukünftige Investitionsentscheidungen über den Einsatz von Standardsoftware keine reinen Beschaffungsvorgänge mehr, sondern strategische Entscheidungen über die Auslagerungen von Prozessen (Business Process Outsourcing) und damit verbunden auch mit den zusammenhängenden Daten. Der Softwareanbieter von morgen ist ein Prozessdienstleister, der neben der Hard- und Software auch noch Teilprozesse (z. B. Kommunikation, Dokumentenmanagement) für die Unternehmen bereitstellt