Lt. Col. Jennifer Nolta graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2010 and commissioned into the Air Force. She completed pilot training in 2012 and went on to fly the C-5M Super Galaxy at Dover AFB, the C-21 at Scott AFB, the T-38 Talon, and the U-2 Dragon Lady at Beale AFB. She is currently a dual-degree graduate student at the Naval Postgraduate School, studying astronautical engineering and applied physics. Her research focuses on developing a space-based THz-to-IR sensor as part of the Sensor Research Lab's Terahertz Imaging Camera project.
The interdisciplinary environment at NPS has been one of the most valuable aspects of my education. As a dual degree student in physics and astronautical engineering, I've learned to approach problems from first principles all the way through systems integration, which I think is particularly important when it comes to advancing space-based technologies for the Department of Defense.
My thesis research focuses on developing a space-based THz-to-IR sensor for upper atmospheric monitoring. This project pulls from multiple disciplines, like materials science, multi-physics modeling, MEMS fabrication, and spacecraft payload integration, to deliver a compact, sensitive sensor with real operational potential.
What has enhanced my experience even further is the opportunity to collaborate with allied military partners. Whether through shared lab spaces, joint projects, or simply exchanging perspectives, working alongside international officers has broadened my understanding of interoperability challenges and needs.
My research is the next iteration of a long-standing project by the NPS Sensor Research Lab to develop the THz-to-IR focal plane array for the THz Imaging Camera (TIC) project. This sensor is designed to passively detect upper-atmospheric signatures, such as those generated by hypersonic vehicles, and convert them into thermal emissions readable by commercial IR cameras. The imaging system aims to demonstrate a compact, low-power, low-cost solution for expanded spectral coverage in the terahertz regime, with the goal of enhancing persistent space-based sensing capabilities.
THz sensing will add an important capability for tipping and cueing within future missile warning architectures. By augmenting existing infrared and radar-based systems, it adds a complementary spectral layer that supports multi-phenomenology sensing, providing an additional confirmation source to improve threat detection and identification. The vision for compact sensors like the one we're developing in the NPS Sensor Research Lab is to deploy them as part of a constellation of small satellites, enabling persistent, layered coverage.
