Aerial Measuring System
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Emergency Response |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | N/A |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To provide rapid, airborne radiological assessments following nuclear incidents, enabling emergency responders to make informed decisions about public safety and environmental impact. It aims to map radiation levels for risk assessment and mitigation.[1] |
| Program Start | 1958 |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Historic | Yes |
Aerial Measuring System (AMS) is designed to provide rapid, airborne radiological assessments following nuclear incidents, enabling emergency responders to make informed decisions about public safety and environmental impact. It employs specialized aircraft equipped with radiation detection systems to map radiation levels, which is crucial for risk assessment, emergency response, and mitigation efforts.[2]
Goals
- Rapidly assess radiological conditions post-nuclear event.[3]
- Provide real-time data to decision-makers for emergency response.
- Enhance national preparedness for nuclear and radiological incidents.
Organization
AMS is managed by the Office of Emergency Response within the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy. The program leadership includes the AMS Program Manager, who oversees operations with support from a team of scientists, technical personnel, and pilots.
Partners
- No specific partnerships are listed, but AMS coordinates with various federal, state, and local agencies during response operations.
History
The Aerial Measuring System was established in 1958 to support the U.S. Geological Survey during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. Initially known as the Aerial Radiological Measuring System (ARMS), it was later renamed to AMS. It has since played critical roles in numerous incidents, including the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011. AMS has evolved to incorporate advanced detection technologies and has been deployed for various missions, from emergency responses to routine monitoring. Its capabilities have been expanded internationally, with training programs for partner nations under the International Aerial Measuring System (I-AMS).
Funding
While specific funding details are not publicly detailed, AMS is funded through the NNSA's budget for emergency response and nuclear security. The program's operational costs include aircraft maintenance, equipment upgrades, and personnel training.
Implementation
Implementation involves:
- Deployment of specialized aircraft equipped with radiation detection systems.
- Real-time data collection and analysis during flyovers over affected areas.
- Integration with ground-based response teams for comprehensive assessments.
The program operates indefinitely, prepared for immediate activation in response to nuclear incidents.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/aerial-measuring-system
- wikipedia:Aerial Measuring System
Social media
- No specific social media accounts for AMS; follow the Department of Energy for updates.
References
- ↑ "Aerial Measuring System". https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/aerial-measuring-system. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Aerial Measuring System". https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/aerial-measuring-system. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Aerial Measuring System". https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/aerial-measuring-system. Retrieved January 30, 2025.