Montana State University Leads NASA Air Quality Study

The $3 million project uses balloons and drones to measure wildfire smoke and pollutants across the country.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Asthma

A white research balloon rising into a clear Montana sky with a sensor payload, illustrating atmospheric scientific research. — Montana State University launched a $3 million NASA-funded study utilizing balloons and drones to track wildfire smoke across North America. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Montana State University has been awarded a $3 million NASA grant to spearhead the Aerial Science, Collaboration, and Education Network for Discovery (ASCEND). The project will utilize high-altitude balloons and drones to track air pollutants and wildfire smoke at various atmospheric levels.

Why it matters

By mapping pollutants from 400 to 100,000 feet, the initiative supports the NASA TEMPO mission's efforts to better understand air quality across North America. The research aims to improve data collection regarding how smoke and other contaminants move through the atmosphere.

The initiative involves 40 undergraduate teams supervised by eight regional pod lead institutions. Measurements will reach altitudes of 100,000 feet for balloons and 400 feet for drones.

The players

Montana State University

This public land-grant university is leading the project and houses the BOREALIS lab.

NASA

The federal agency is funding this project to support its broader TEMPO mission goals.

University of Montana

This institution is one of the eight regional pod leads responsible for training and mentoring student teams.

The details

Using equipment designed by the university's BOREALIS lab, the project coordinates 40 student teams to conduct atmospheric research. Eight regional pod leads, including the University of Montana, will mentor five teams each to ensure consistent data gathering during the study.

January 2027 marks the opening for school proposals.
Training for selected teams will occur throughout 2027.
Four seasonal data collection campaigns will take place in 2028.

The Big Picture

This project integrates ground and aerial measurements into the broader framework of NASA's TEMPO mission. By connecting student-led research to national monitoring efforts, it bridges the gap between local atmospheric analysis and large-scale environmental tracking.

For residents sensitive to poor air quality, this project promises to provide more accurate data on how wildfire smoke impacts different altitudes. Improved tracking could eventually lead to more localized and precise health advisories for communities prone to respiratory issues.

The takeaway

This project highlights how academic collaboration and student-built technology can enhance national atmospheric monitoring programs. It demonstrates a future where multi-layered data collection informs more accurate environmental health forecasting.

What happens next

Interested educational institutions can submit proposals for participation starting in January 2027, followed by a mandatory training phase for selected teams later that year.