The Black Swift S2 UAS was developed through a multi-center collaboration between NASA Ames, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory(JPL), and Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility and funded through the NASA SBIR Program. The aircraft was purpose built to provide stand-off measurements of volcanic emissions but has also proven capable of precise waypoint navigation for high resolution mapping. This catapult-launched, electric-powered fixed-wing UAS carries a 5-pound science payload for over 60 minutes and can reach targets more than 20 miles away. Its capability for stand-off launches and recovery enables operations in complex, remote terrain without requiring an airfield. It has been previously outfitted with optical VIS-IR imagers, gas sensors, wind probes, and passive microwave radar.
