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IRISS at CU Boulder
The Integrated Remote and In Situ Sensing initiative transforms data-collection technologies and strategies by facilitating 4D sight through a ground-to-space sensing column with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating in the atmosphere integrated with ground-based and space-based observation systems.
This multi-disciplinary team that leads the design, development, and deployment of novel remote and in-situ sensing systems to exploit mobility enabled by aerospace systems to enhance data collection from the ground, in the atmosphere, and from space. With its partners, IRISS explores commercial opportunities and fosters discussions on the ethical, legal, and social policy implications of new technologies and big-data collection.
We utilize the capabilities of our sensing system for a myriad of purposes ranging from improved climate and weather forecasting, to better-informed government policymaking, and addressing the multitude of emerging research and education challenges to prepare the workforce of the twenty-first century.
Articles
Achievements
18 different types of UAVs and 39 vehicles
UAV Operations on 6 different continents
Trained over 140 CU Boulder personnel
More than 400,000 sq mi of specialized COAs, on 17 active COAs
On average, deploy with more than 200 flight hours a year
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Grand Challenge vision is to create a collaborative environment where we can be greater than the sum of our parts.
"In 2013, President Obama challenged research universities, companies, and other institutions to identify and pursue the Grand Challenges of the 21st Century. In 2014, CU Boulder’s campus leadership responded with a call to action—those of us who are IRISS responded. We are developing and deploying aerospace technologies that enable controlled movement of sensing and measurement systems through space and time, ultimately addressing the challenges of our 21st Century society."
- Brian Argrow, Director of IRISS and Department Chair