The JPL Sensor Webs Project: Fielded Technology

As defined in the NASA Tech Brief (1), the Sensor Web is a dynamic infrastructure for sensors that provides a pervasive, continuous, embedded monitoring presence. By synthesizing information collected over large spatial areas, the Sensor Web obtains an environmental self- awareness. This innovation will revolutionize the way we explore, monitor, and control environments and will impact such diverse areas as planetary preservation, spacecraft infrastructure, and extraterrestrial exploration. The Sensor Web is unique since data gathered by one pod are both shared and used by other pods. Sharply contrasting typical sensor networks, a Sensor Web does not purposefully route or focus information towards the end-user. Consequently, each sensor pod matters to all its neighbors resulting in a global perception and purpose for the instrument as a whole (unlike in a simple distributed network). Since there is no distinction between instructions originating from either the end- users or other pods within the system, the Sensor Web is both a field-programmable and self-adapting instrument. This paper will focus on various systems that have been deployed in a variety of environments including Antarctica, the Florida coast, Southern California, and a simulated Rain Forrest. Real-time, streaming data from several of these deployments may be viewed at http://sensorwebs.jpl.nasa.gov. Opportunities for infusing this technology into future mission planning will be discussed.