From staff reports The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded Oklahoma State University $5.5 million as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The purpose of these funds is to increase knowledge about local weather systems in the lower atmosphere, enabling the safe integration of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Frank Lucas (OK03) were the sponsors of the congressionally directed spending that made this funding possible. NIST’s authority is under the jurisdiction of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, of which Lucas serves as chairman.
This project also received support from Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Payne County Commissioner Chris Reding.
“I’ve been proud to see my alma mater – Oklahoma State University – take initiatives in the aerospace industry and weather data sciences. I’ve spoken with President [Kayse] Shrum about the immense progress being made on campus in recent years, and it’s clear this community-funded project will only further its impact,” said Lucas.
“Those of us in Oklahoma know firsthand how important accurate weather predictions are to our livelihoods, and the funding made possible by this congressionally directed spending will enable OSU to take great strides in enhancing weather prediction through unmanned aircraft systems. I’d like to thank President Shrum for her efforts and am excited to see what positive results this project will bring to our state.”
“Oklahoma State University is leading the way in the aerospace and aviation industry,” said Mullin. “These funds will allow their innovation to continue as they expand research into weather sensors in commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. I’m thrilled to share this news, and I also want to thank President Shrum for her leadership.”
“This funding will provide enormous benefit to Oklahoma and the nation through facilitating the safe and sustainable integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility into the National Airspace System,” said Shrum. “The enhanced coverage and precision of low-altitude weather data this project will provide will offer significant benefits to the helicopter-based emergency medical services community operating within the same airspace, helping to lessen their operational risks.”