Montana Researchers to Study Wildfire Smoke with NASA Grant
Montana Researchers to Study Wildfire Smoke with NASA Grant
US · Published Oct 21, 2026
• Montana State University (MSU) has secured a $3 million grant from NASA to lead a nationwide project aimed at studying wildfire smoke and other pollutants.
• The initiative, named the Aerial Science, Collaboration, and Education Network for Discovery (ASCEND), will utilise high-altitude balloons and drones to measure pollutant distribution at various altitudes.

Impact & Risks

The study is particularly relevant for regions like Montana, where wildfire smoke significantly impacts air quality. Intense wildfires can push smoke into the stratosphere, where it lingers longer due to reduced removal processes. This research aims to better understand the vertical distribution of pollutants, which could inform strategies to mitigate health risks and environmental impacts. The findings will also contribute to a broader understanding of air quality issues that affect communities across the United States, including those in wildfire-prone areas.

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