NASA Award for Marginal Ice Zone Observations and Process Experiment (MIZOPEX)

Research team members prepare the Sierra Unmanned Aerial System for flight from Oliktok Point, Alaska. (Photo by Mark Ivey)

Sandians Mark Ivey and Darin Desilets were included in a NASA Group Achievement Award “for outstanding achievement in executing the MIZOPEX using multiple classes of unmanned aircraft [UASs].”

The MIZOPEX campaign used DOE’s Sandia-managed Oliktok Point, Alaska, facilities to investigate unique UAS capabilities, combined with in situ sensing and satellite observations. These platforms explored the marginal ice zone and developed a better understanding of sea surface temperature, sea surface salinity, and sea ice characteristics and their impact on recent observed sea ice loss.