OKC Standard

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded Oklahoma State University (OSU) $5.5 million as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. The funding aims to enhance understanding of local weather systems in the lower atmosphere, facilitating the safe integration of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft into the National Airspace System.

Senator Mullin (R-OK) and Representative Lucas (OK-03) sponsored the congressionally directed spending that secured this investment. The project also received backing from Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Payne County Commissioner Chris Reding.

"Oklahoma State University is leading the way in the aerospace and aviation industry," said Sen. Mullin. "These funds will allow their innovation to continue as they expand research into weather sensors in commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Advanced Air Mobility aircraft. I’m thrilled to share this news, and I also want to thank President Shrum for her leadership."

"I’ve been proud to see my Alma Mater – Oklahoma State University – take initiatives in the aerospace industry and weather data sciences," said Congressman Lucas. "I’ve spoken with President Shrum about the immense progress being made on campus in recent years, and it’s clear this community-funded project will only further its impact. Those of us in Oklahoma know firsthand how important accurate weather predictions are to our livelihoods, and the funding made possible by this congressionally directed spending will enable OSU to take great strides in enhancing weather prediction through Unmanned Aircraft Systems. I’d like to thank President Shrum for her efforts and am excited to see what positive results this project will bring to our state."

"On behalf of Oklahoma State University and its Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OAIRE), I would like to personally thank Senator Mullin and Representative Lucas for their support and tireless work in securing vital funding to further establish methods to standardize and trace commercial Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) atmospheric measurements," said OSU President Kayse Shrum. "This funding will provide enormous benefit to Oklahoma and the nation through facilitating the safe and sustainable integration of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility into the National Airspace System. The enhanced coverage and precision of low-altitude weather data this project will provide will offer significant benefits to the helicopter-based Emergency Medical Services community operating within the same airspace, helping to lessen their operational risks. The meteorology community will be able to leverage this data to refine weather products and extend warning times for potentially hazardous conditions contributing to critical safety measures being employed. Oklahoma State University’s OAIRE is a national leader in aerospace and aviation research, education, we are proud involved important project owe Sen. Mullin Rep Lucas debt gratitude making possible."