Montana State University has received a $3 million NASA grant to lead a nationwide research effort examining wildfire smoke and other air pollutants. The project, called the Aerial Science, Collaboration, and Education Network for Discovery, or ASCEND, will support NASA’s TEMPO satellite-based air-pollution monitoring mission.

MSU’s BOREALIS laboratory will direct the project from Bozeman. The lab will use student-built drones, electronics and data-collection equipment as part of the research program.

Balloon and Drone Measurements

ASCEND will gather air-quality readings with high-altitude balloons and drones. Balloons will collect measurements from the ground to about 100,000 feet, while drones will obtain data up to 400 feet above the surface.

The program will include undergraduate teams from community colleges and universities around the country. Eight institutions, including the University of Montana, will serve as regional leaders in the network.

Applications Begin in 2027

Colleges and universities may begin applying to participate in January 2027. The program will select and train 40 undergraduate teams, which are scheduled to take part in four coordinated data-collection campaigns in 2028.

Additional information on the ASCEND project is available through its official program materials.