In October 2022, it was announced that French startup Grasp SAS (Generalized Retrieval of Atmosphere and Surface Properties had acquired Baltimore, Maryland-based AirPhoton LLC to create Grasp Global, a European and U.S. Earth-observation company with plans for a cubesat constellation. Specializing in nephelometers and air sampling systems, Instrument design and consulting, Founded in 2012 by scientists - out of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center - specialized in in-situ instruments to measure particulates and satellite payloads.irphoton had offered training in the use of satellite data for climate and air quality applications, and Satellite and in-situ data analysis The founding team that had been AirPhoton, LLC. brought to the task some 50+ years of combined experience in the science and technology of remote sensing and aerosols. The firm is structured around manufacture for sale of rugged nephelometers and aerosol sampling stations. Principals of the firm also offer experience in the areas of custom instrument design and prototype development, remote sensing algorithm development, satellite data analysis, and training in the use of atmospheric remote sensing products for climate and air quality applications, AirPhoton instruments are already in use measuring particulates across 5 continents.
