[Via Satellite 01-05-2015] NASA has awarded Exelis a $3.5 million contract that supports research to improve understanding of climate change by tracking how weather systems transport carbon dioxide, methane and other gases in the atmosphere. As part of the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport-America project, Exelis will modify its Multi-Functional Fiber Laser LIDAR (MFLL) for integration into a NASA aircraft and provide support to five extensive flight campaigns that will collect regional carbon dioxide measurements. Exelis will work with Penn State University and NASA Langley Research Center scientists and engineers on the project.

The research goal is to improve identification and predictions of carbon dioxide and methane sources and sinks using spaceborne, airborne and ground-based data over the eastern half of the United States. “This is key because we really don’t know enough about the carbon cycle to take steps to predict and manage its environmental effects,” said Jeremy Dobler, Exelis program manager and senior scientist. “The Exelis laser LIDAR takes accurate measurements of CO2 concentrations in the lower atmosphere where sources and sinks of carbon dioxide are located and where the data is relevant for addressing environmental impact.”