Development of an affordable and lightweight particle imager for balloon and UAS deployments

Above ground observations of microphysical data (particle type, size, shape, etc.) are needed to improve remotely-sensed retrievals and to guide improvement of weather and climate models. Historically, these observations have been made by costly, crewed aircraft campaigns. Microphysical observations in the boundary layer are even rarer due to the hazards of flying near ground. For example, minimal observations have been made within blowing snow layers at heights greater than traditional meteorological towers. While balloon-borne measurements have been made in the past, current systems are expensive or cumbersome to launch.

Taking lessons learned from the ground-based Open Snowflake Camera for Research and Education (OSCRE), this presentation will discuss a new balloon-borne imaging system that could potentially be carried by rotary wing UAS. Capable of resolving hydrometeors > 100 micrometers, the system leverages a machine vision camera and lens paired to LED lighting and a compact, low-power computer. Design choices are optimized to save weight and create a smaller, easier to launch package.