Spinoff story

Wire Sensors Alert to Dangerous Conditions in the Clouds

A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.

About this technology

Overview

Under two SBIR contracts with Glenn Research Center, Anasphere Inc. designed a vibrating wire sensor that can give scientists information on how much supercooled liquid water is lurking in the skies. The inexpensive, lightweight sensor is helping NASA develop a ground-based system to warn of dangerous icing conditions for airplanes. The Bozeman, Montana-based company is also selling it to others, including the Department of Energy and the Chinese affiliate of German radiosonde company GRAW.