Conservation efforts often occur far from the reach of conventional connectivity solutions. Data—such as camera trap photographs, wildlife sound recordings, and water-level measurements—is critical for effective ecological conservation and management. However, gathering this data from remote locations is often impractical.

Where cellular connectivity is non-existent, satellite communication is the only alternative wireless solution. Nevertheless, this solution is cost-prohibitive for meaningful quantities of data. The standard solution—physical retrieval of SD cards—can be similarly infeasible since it often exposes conservationists to severe health and safety risks.

Mission Mule has developed a data retrieval system consisting of an autonomous unmanned aerial system (UAS) and ground-based data stations. The UAS flies to and wirelessly gathers data from the data stations in remote locations. Both the UAS and data stations are built to support regular, efficient data collection missions over extended deployments, even in the most difficult-to-reach locations.

Each data station is sensor agnostic; it can be configured to support sensors such as camera-traps, air-quality meters, water-level indicators, and precipitation gauges depending on specific client requirements. Mission Mule’s technology is designed to offer an affordable solution for gathering priceless data.