Feasibility of Using a Miniature-UAV Remote-Sensing/Precision-Agriculture System (MINI-UAV RSPA SPACE SYSTEM) to Increase Crop Yields, Lower Costs, Save Water, and Reduce Pollution of Air, Soil, and Water
- Paper number
IAC-06-D3.2.09
- Author
Dr. George Morgenthaler, University of Colorado at Boulder, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Gordon Woodcock, Gray Research, Inc., United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
I) CU has a Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles (RECUV) that has over 25 faculty, dozens of students, and millions of contract dollars. These involve student-made UAVS flying in formation using wireless control systems and modern aerial sensors. II) In 1998, CU tested Remote-Sensing/Precision Agriculture using the LandSat Satellite. but the resolution was too coarse. In 1999, CU tried RSPA using a piloted Cessna A/C to take imagery with sensors. The latter system worked, but was too costly for the farmer. Currently, agronomist advisors are selling Ikonos II and Quick-Bird-based advice, but it is also too costly. III) CU obtained a NSF WAESO/MEP Grant to support 4 minority students. Disciplines represented are aerospace UAVs, mechanical engineering, modern sensors, and commercial viability/business feasibility models. CU intends to utilize Technical Feasibility Criteria and several “Truth-Sites” in Morgan County, CO. We will utilize GPS to give precise coordinates to thousands of cells within the 404 sprinkler acres and utilize farm equipment equipped with GPS antennas. Variable dispensing of seed, fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and water can be made once the optimal allocation to each cell is known. CU’s Team has a BIP Constrained Optimization Model for optimizing very large problems. IV) The current WAESO Grant calls for the team to make preliminary field trips to High Plains areas to interview and gather advice from experts. The first visit was accomplished on Feb 25th, 2006. The experts included: a farmer, a county extension agent; a farm real estate agent; and a senior executive from the Simplot Co. who was in the business of using ATVs to give visual agronomical advice. V) If the Technical Feasibility and Business Viability modeling shows that Mini UAV RSPA is more cost-effective than current systems, we will carry this technology to the market via: an IPO; venture capitalist funding; selling to an existing noncompetitive agronomist; etc. VI) Much of Symposium B, EO, aims to apply Space-Based Systems to seek Benefits for Earth, e.g., Disaster Reduction, but the Miniature-UAV RSPA System can also help Space Colonization, Exploration and Utilization, e.g., A.M.Lippisch in 1963, wanted a rocket-glider for surface reconnaissance of Mars. VII) The paper will describe and validate the above claims, including the System Architecture and the Technical and Business Viability Modeling.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-D3.2.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.