University of New Hampshire
IN-49: Innovation C

In 2019, UNH received a research contract for $107.9 million to develop a space-based instrument to study coastal ecosystems near the Gulf of Mexico. The interdisciplinary project team includes numerous UNH space scientists and is led by research professor of Earth sciences Joseph Salisbury. Together, with partners Raytheon Aerospace, NASA Goddard and the Southwest Research Institute, they will develop the Geosynchronous Littoral Imaging and Monitoring Radiometer (GLIMR) instrument to observe ocean biology, chemistry and ecology throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the southeastern U.S. coastline and Amazon River plume that stretches to the Atlantic Ocean.

Oceans and coastlines are facing increasing pressure from the impacts of land use decisions and climate change. However, it can be difficult to frequently monitor these impacts via satellites due to their position in orbit; at best, they might pass over the Gulf of Mexico once per day, GLIMR in contrast will image the Gulf 6-8 times per day, taking highly detailed measurements of the ocean’s color. This will help scientists to identify various phytoplankton species — the base of the marine food chain — and how they respond to their environment. Scientists will also be able to track the plankton that contribute to harmful algal blooms and to monitor and project the movement of those blooms, along with the spread of sediments, oil spills or other pollutants.

Researchers from the Ocean Processes Research Lab and others from the Space Science Center will work with the science data, while space researchers will help to operate the spacecraft and ensure the data are delivered properly. GLIMR is slated for launch in 2026-2027.

https://www.unh.edu/unhtoday/2019/08/nasa-lands-unh