Newer aerial platform for emergency response by the United States Department of Energy

Aerial radiological search and survey missions have been performed by the United States Department of Energy's (USDOE) Remote Sensing Laboratory for over 40 years. Originally created in 1967 as Aerial Measurement Operations, the Aerial Measuring System (AMS) mission has expanded to include acquiring baseline measurements, performing periodic site monitoring, and responding to radiological emergencies. In an accident scenario, AMS fixedwing and/or rotary-wing systems can be deployed to map radiological deposition. The aircraft are equipped to detect and measure radioactive contamination on the ground. The AMS has a sophisticated radiation detection system to gather radiological information and store it on the cloud using the Advanced Visualization and Integration of Data (AVID) platform or on local computers. This large amount of radiation monitoring data is later used to define and implement public protective guidance. Aerial radiation measurements have proven to be very effective in support of responses to nuclear or radiological emergencies resulting in the dispersal of radioactive material over a large area [viz. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear power plant measurements done through March and April 2011] [1]. Right after the Fukushima accident, US aerial missions flew 85 flights over 500 hours, covering more than 10,000 square kilometres from the power plant to an 80 km radius to create a common operating picture of the extent of the gamma-emitting radionuclides and the footprint of the deposition from multiple releases. In order to be effective, the aerial measurements must be performed with a system that will collect the data in sufficient detail and quality to support the needs of emergency responders. This paper briefly outlines the technical specifications and functions of a system to be used on an aerial platform (airplane or helicopter) to measure widespread radioactive material (radioactive contamination). The information contained within this paper is intended to help ensure that measurements conducted by multiple AMSs are both technically compatible and comparable with each other and with measurements taken on the ground. Recently AMS has acquired newer and faster aircraft with longer-than-before ranges to deploy radiation monitoring equipment. This article defines and provides guidance for using the US DOE/NNSA’s new aerial measurement platforms with multi-fold return of the investment in mind. The guidance involves technical innovation and optimized use of the platforms and collaboration with other stakeholders like the Department of Homeland Security, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The guidance recommends AMS to reposition itself as a valid and credentialed data provider to other relevant and recognized stakeholders in the area of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives threats. It recommends critical application expansion for AVID to analyse multi-modal data including hyperspectral, infrared, and radiological data through data fusion.