The Vision of the Technology Development Facility

In 2004, the ATD External Advisory Committee documented in its report that there has been a tension in ATD between instrument development and field deployment and that the balance between the two has shifted over the years to an emphasis on deployment at the detriment of development efforts. This committee further recommended that the proper balance between the two must be reinstated by strengthening ATD’s instrument development programs. In accordance with this recommendation, the Earth Observing Laboratory has created a new facility in 2005, the Technology Development Facility (TDF) in an effort to systematically and appropriately prioritize and manage new developments. Specifically, the goals of the new TDF are to identify, foster, implement, and help in managing, the development of advanced technologies leading to an improved understanding of the earth system. These technologies include, but are not limited to, Optical Sensing (both in situ and remote); Radio Sensing, In Situ Sensing and Profiling (airborne and ground-based), Flight Level Sensing, and Advances in Data Acquisition, Processing, and Services. Although many of these technologies will be employed on NSF/NCAR’s new high altitude GV and more conventional C-130 airborne platforms, the TDF may also pursue technologies for the next generation of unmanned platforms as well as on ground-based and balloon-borne platforms.

The new development efforts pursued by TDF first and foremost are driven by scientific questions and challenges, which presently cannot be satisfactorily addressed by existing technologies. In this process, the TDF continuously attempts to identify scientific problems that may be addressed by present and/or potential future emerging technologies. Input regarding such scientific issues can come from a variety of sources, including: TDF, EOL and NCAR scientists and engineers, internal statements of opportunity, community input, workshops, contacts at national and international meetings, and the UCAR Facilities Assessment, to name a few examples.  Once identified, the TDF plays a prominent role in helping the EOL management committee in prioritizing proposed new development efforts. In addition, the TDF maintains the necessary infrastructure (electronic, data acquisition hardware and software, etc.) to carry out selected development efforts as well as explore potential emerging technologies through small-scale pilot studies.

The TDF relies heavily on strategic collaborations and partnerships with other groups, including commercial, university, and national laboratories and agencies. In this process, the TDF supports a strong and vigorous Education and Outreach Program, including internships, mechanisms for supporting high school students and teachers, undergraduate and graduate students and faculty, as well as mechanisms for technology transfer.