Figure 1: BioMAST in retracted position. Photo credit: S. Hooker

BioMAST, the Biospherical Mount for Advanced Solar Technologies, is a telescoping mounting structure for surface reference radiometers. It allows radiometers to be lifted above a ship's superstructure, thus eliminating measurement uncertainties caused by shading or reflections. The system, the prototype of which was known as T-MAST*, was developed by Dr. Stanford Hooker of NASA/GSFC.

Figure 2: BioMAST fully extended. Photo credit: S. Hooker

BioMAST is a portable yet rugged system designed for mounting to a ship or other platform. The device can be easily retracted if weather or sea conditions deteriorate. It can support payload up to 50 lb and can be used in winds up to 60 mph.

* Telescoping Mount for Advanced Solar Technologies. For the complete description, For the complete description, click here for the NASA Technical Memorandum chapter.