NASA Gateways to Blue Skies Forum
Aerospace Systems Consultant | PH-LORA Research Team
Domain Expertise & Analysis Methods
Platform Evaluation
UAV Architecture, VTOL Systems, Docking Infrastructure
Systems Analysis
Trade-off Studies, TRL Assessment, Risk Analysis
Technical Writing
Hardware Specifications, System Integration, Regulatory Review
Problem: Chemical Pesticide Dependency in Agriculture
Developed PH-LORA, an autonomous UAV-based pheromone deployment system integrating AI-powered pest detection, precision application drones, and species-specific biochemical solutions. Presented at NASA's Gateways to Blue Skies Forum as a sustainable alternative to carcinogenic chemical pesticides, addressing critical challenges in agricultural pest management including pesticide resistance, environmental contamination, and farmworker safety.
The system targets a $93/acre chemical pesticide market with a superior $120/acre pheromone solution that eliminates carcinogen exposure while enabling premium organic market positioning for farmers.
My Role: Aerospace & Mechanical Systems Consultant
As the only mechanical engineering student on a 6-person interdisciplinary team (biology, physics, political science majors), I provided aerospace and mechanical systems expertise for technology selection, platform evaluation, and long-term operational feasibility.
- Authored hardware and docking station sections of NASA-selected research proposal
- Conducted comparative analysis of UAV platforms (quadcopter vs. monoplane vs. biplane vs. helicopter vs. hybrid VTOL)
- Evaluated monitoring systems and deployment mechanism architectures
- Performed Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment for integrated system
- Analyzed altitude-risk tradeoffs, recommending UAV operation for decreased risk and increased maneuverability despite higher energy costs
- Provided maintenance cost projections and long-term operational feasibility analysis
- Advised on UAV regulatory compliance (FAA requirements, operational restrictions)
- Presented drone specifications, system architecture, and technical innovations to NASA engineers and industry professionals
Process: UAV Platform Selection & Trade-off Analysis
Comparative UAV Architecture Evaluation
Conducted multi-criteria analysis comparing different UAV platforms for agricultural pheromone deployment, evaluating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and trade-offs to optimize for system integration.
Platform Comparison Matrix
Weaknesses: Limited range, high energy consumption, short flight time
Decision: Rejected due to coverage limitations for large agricultural areas
Weaknesses: Requires runway/launcher, limited precision for targeted deployment
Decision: Good for coverage but lacks precision maneuvering capability
Weaknesses: Complex mechanics, higher maintenance, vibration concerns
Decision: Maintenance complexity conflicts with autonomous operation goals
Trade-off: Higher energy cost vs. pure fixed-wing, but acceptable for precision deployment requirements
Decision: Optimal balance of range, precision, and operational flexibility
Key Engineering Insight: Altitude-Risk Trade-off
Risk Analysis: UAV vs. Ground-Based Application
Finding: Risk to human operators and non-target organisms increases as altitude above ground decreases. Ground-based application (tractors, manual spraying) maximizes exposure risk.
Recommendation: UAV operation at 300 ft altitude provides optimal balance:
- Minimized human exposure risk through elevated operation
- Increased maneuverability for precision targeting vs. fixed ground paths
- Reduced wildlife disturbance through altitude selection
- Trade-off: Higher energy cost acceptable given risk reduction and operational flexibility
- Compliance with FAA altitude restrictions for agricultural UAV operations
Solution: Dual-Component System Architecture
Component 1: PH-LORA Hybrid VTOL Drone Platform
An autonomous hybrid VTOL drone adapted from Zipline's P2 platform, featuring fixed wings for efficient transit and rotary wings for precise maneuvering. Operates at up to 300 feet altitude with centimeter-precise deployment accuracy, 360-degree airspace awareness, and collision avoidance systems.
Technical Specifications (Authored Section): Multi-nozzled retractable deployment mechanism for full crop coverage (base to canopy). Smart-release system with active stabilization in variable wind conditions. Novel deployment droid adapted from Zipline delivery system to accommodate species-specific spray patterns based on pest mating behavior.
Component 2: Smart Docking Infrastructure
Architecture Analysis (Authored Section): Adapted Zipline's charging dock and loading station for agricultural efficiency. Smart docking infrastructure serves as comprehensive hub for takeoff/landing, battery charging, and autonomous pheromone loading. Enables 24/7 deployment capability, satisfying complex species-specific application requirements that previously made pheromone treatments impractical at scale.
Maintenance Considerations: System designed for minimal maintenance requirements through modular battery swapping, automated cleaning cycles, and weather-resistant construction. Long-term operational costs projected to remain competitive with traditional pesticide application methods.
Component 3: Oracle Ground Surveillance Network
A ground-level monitoring system using advanced optical sensors and AI to detect insect reproductive patterns and sexual maturity. Based on Trapview self-cleaning funnel traps with temperature/humidity sensors, Oracle provides 24/7 automated pest monitoring without manual intervention.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Assessment
Conducted TRL evaluation for integrated PH-LORA system to establish development pathway and identify technical risk areas:
TRL 9 Zipline P2 drone platform (flight-proven in commercial medical delivery operations)
TRL 5 Overall integrated system (component validation in relevant agricultural environment)
TRL 4 Pheromone dispersal system (laboratory validation, requires field demonstration)
Assessment Conclusion: Individual components at varying maturity levels. Primary technical risk identified in pheromone dispersal mechanism requiring further development for species-specific formulation compatibility. Integration testing critical path item for path to deployment.
System Integration & Communication Structure
Phase 1 - Detection: Oracle ground stations continuously monitor fields using AI-powered computer vision to identify pest species, developmental stages, and population density. When sexually mature insects are detected at threshold levels, Oracle transmits location data to the PH-LORA system.
Phase 2 - Deployment: PH-LORA autonomously selects and loads the appropriate species-specific pheromone solution from its docking station, navigates to the impacted zone using preset flight formulas optimized for target species behavior, and precisely applies the pheromone treatment using multi-nozzled deployment mechanisms.
Phase 3 - Return & Standby: The drone returns to its charging/resupply dock using 360-degree aerial awareness, automatically recharges, and stands ready for the next deployment based on Oracle's continued monitoring.
Target Application: Navel Orangeworm in California Almonds
Initial deployment focuses on Navel Orangeworm (NOW) control in California almond farms. This use case was selected because almond production is concentrated in a single region, almonds are high-value crops, and effective pheromone treatments (CheckMate NOW-F) already exist but require labor-intensive manual application.
Traditional Chemical Approach
- Chemical pesticide: $93/acre
- Mummy nut sanitation: $300
- Health/safety risks to workers
- Environmental contamination
- Pesticide resistance buildup
PH-LORA Pheromone System
- Pheromone treatment: $120/acre
- Zero chemical exposure
- Premium organic market access
- Reduced crop loss
- Sustainable resistance management
Regulatory Considerations & Compliance Path
UAV Regulations (Advisory Role): Analyzed FAA requirements for commercial drone operations including pilot licensing, altitude restrictions, and time-of-day limitations. Proposed standardized training program for farmers and streamlined approval process to facilitate widespread adoption.
Safety Compliance: Pheromones are non-toxic to humans and non-target species, presenting minimal environmental risk compared to chemical pesticides. Advanced aerial navigation systems detect and avoid human presence, ensuring operational safety in agricultural environments.
NASA Presentation Contributions
Presented the following technical sections to NASA engineers and agricultural industry professionals at the Blue Skies Forum:
- Drone specifications and hybrid VTOL platform rationale
- System architecture and component integration
- Economic benefits of autonomous deployment vs. manual application
- Technical innovations in deployment mechanism design
- Integration of existing technologies (Zipline P2, Trapview) into novel agricultural application
- Communication structure between Oracle monitoring and PH-LORA deployment systems
Competition Results
Selected as one of 8 finalist teams out of approximately 65 applicants. Presented comprehensive solution to NASA engineers and agricultural industry professionals.
Funding awarded to continue development of this transformative agricultural technology
Environmental Impact
- Eliminates carcinogenic chemical pesticide exposure for farmworkers and consumers
- Prevents soil contamination and fertility loss from pesticide accumulation
- Protects water sources from agricultural runoff contamination
- Preserves beneficial insect populations including pollinators like bees
- Dramatically slows development of pesticide resistance in pest populations
- Reduces air pollution from pesticide aerosol application
- Enables transition to organic farming practices with premium market prices
Skills Demonstrated
Technical Analysis
- Multi-criteria platform evaluation
- Trade-off studies and risk analysis
- TRL assessment methodology
- Systems integration thinking
- Long-term maintenance forecasting
Communication
- Technical writing for NASA proposal
- Presenting to expert audiences
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Regulatory documentation review
- Stakeholder benefit articulation
Links & Resources
Competition: NASA Finalists Announcement
Competition Record: 2025 Blue Skies Record
Organization: Columbia Space Initiative