Black Swift Technologies (BST) has unveiled a comprehensive whitepaper detailing the innovative request of its Black Swift S2 fixed-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) in developing an advanced environmental monitoring solution for soil moisture mapping. This approach significantly enhances conventional satellite-based techniques.
Explore the complete whitepaper on the Black Swift Technologies website.
Efficient and precise mapping of soil moisture at the level of individual farms serves as a vital resource for water conservation efforts. NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) initiative employs satellite technology to monitor drought conditions, forecast flooding, and support agricultural productivity. However, satellite imagery often overlooks the intricate details of the Earth’s surface. Acquiring additional high-resolution data can substantially bolster NASA’s capacity to monitor soil moisture and provide essential insights for agricultural experts.
BST’s UAS solution for soil moisture data collection is centered around the Black Swift S2 airframe, which is equipped with a specialized sensor payload designed to deliver both spatial and temporal resolution. This enhancement allows for a deeper understanding of soil drainage dynamics and moisture retention at typical root depths. The payload features a passive microwave radiometer capable of measuring soil moisture across an area of up to 600 acres in a single flight. This sensor is seamlessly integrated with the UAS avionics and airframe, ensuring the precise flight control necessary for low-altitude missions ranging from 15 to 30 meters above ground level. Such low altitudes are crucial for accurately mapping soil moisture to a depth of 5 centimeters with a resolution of up to 15 meters.
Developed and tested under NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the payload has garnered interest from various agricultural research organizations and commercial partners aiming to optimize water usage on farms.Additionally, military entities, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, utilize soil moisture data to evaluate soil conditions for heavy vehicle navigation and aircraft landing operations.
For further insights into the Black Swift S2 fixed-wing UAS and its capabilities in high-resolution soil moisture data collection, access the full whitepaper on the Black swift Technologies website.
