We engaged NASA researchers in two large projects. While neither were funded, they provided collaboration and new opportunities.

1. We developed and submitted a proposal to the NASA EVS3 suborbital program to use Airbusâ high altitude (lower stratosphere) solar powered Zephyr drone that can stay aloft for 30 days with Corningâs high spatial resolution hyperspectral imager (SHARK system) or more to monitor diurnal fluxes of carbon and water and their interacting ecophysiologic processes that have not been possible with todayâs satellites and airborne systems. Data was planned for different land cover types including row crop and orchard agriculture and natural forest sites, each of which had flux towers and other instrumentation to evaluate the accuracy of the monitoring. Involved 2 co-Is from NASA Ames and 2 co-Is from JPL.

2. We proposed to the California Governorâs office that JPL and UC Davis would partner to deliver an operational data monitoring program for the state. JPL would build a high fidelity California Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (CalAIS) and UC Davis would provide the infrastructure to house and fly the instrument for the state, with an expectation of providing up to 120 flight days directed by the state for on-call emergencies or routine monitoring. The near failure of the Oroville dam, the extended hot drought with its extensive forest mortality, and the extreme wildfires and other disasters in the past few years motivated this proposal. Involved 1 Co-I from JPL and the JPL Imaging Spectrometry lab to build the instrument. The proposal is not active but still open pending the new Governor.