Montana State Leads New NASA Air Pollution Study

Undergraduate teams will use balloons and drones to track wildfire smoke for better public health data.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Asthma

Isometric editorial illustration of a research drone and a weather balloon above mountains, representing a scientific study of air pollution. — Montana State University will lead a $3 million NASA-funded research project using drones and balloons to track wildfire smoke atmospheric pollutants. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Montana State University has been awarded a $3 million NASA grant to lead a national research project studying wildfire smoke and air pollutants. Undergraduate teams will utilize balloons and drones to measure atmospheric particles, supporting the health-focused TEMPO mission.

Why it matters

Understanding how wildfire smoke distributes through the atmosphere at various heights is critical for improving air quality forecasts. This research aims to provide data that could better inform public health warnings for communities frequently impacted by smoke.

The project is a multi-institutional research initiative funded by a $3 million NASA grant, involving 40 undergraduate teams across the country. These teams will measure air pollutants using high-altitude balloons up to 100,000 feet and drones up to 400 feet, though findings are pending future field collection.

The players

Montana State University

A public research institution leading the ASCEND project with its BOREALIS lab equipment.

NASA

The federal agency responsible for space and aeronautics research, currently supporting air quality studies via the TEMPO mission.

University of Montana

A public research university serving as one of the eight regional pod leads to mentor participating student teams.

The details

Teams will use specialized equipment developed by the BOREALIS lab at Montana State University to track pollutant distribution at varying altitudes. By coordinating measurements from both high-altitude balloons and low-level drones, researchers can map the vertical movement of smoke. This project specifically supports the NASA TEMPO mission, which monitors air pollution across North America to help track the health effects of seasonal smoke exposure.

January 2027: Proposals open for interested university and community college teams.
2027: Selected undergraduate teams will undergo project training.
2028: Teams will conduct data collection during four coordinated seasonal campaigns.

Health Landscape

This project integrates ground-to-stratosphere data collection into the broader atmospheric observation goals established by NASA's TEMPO mission. It represents an expansion of air quality monitoring efforts by leveraging academic partnerships to fill data gaps in wildfire smoke behavior.

While this research is currently in the development phase, its future findings may lead to more localized and precise air quality alerts for residents. Those with asthma should continue to monitor local air quality indices and consult a physician about personal management plans during wildfire season.

The takeaway

Reliable data on wildfire smoke patterns is essential for managing respiratory health risks in affected regions. Keep tracking your local air quality reports to stay informed about daily conditions and discuss any smoke-related symptoms with your doctor.