The 2026-2027 Roadmap
Founder’s Note: HMS Stewards is in its first 100 days of development and we’re founder-funded for 2026. This roadmap defines our strategic intent for the 2026/2027 pilot season.
This document is intended for our strategic partners, technical mentors, and municipal stakeholders. It outlines the ‘Lean Science’ architecture and the operational roadmap for HMS Stewards.
The Founding Governance
We are assembling a 5-person “brain trust” to transition the HMS Ghost from a high-performance prototype to a regional environmental standard. Our governance is anchored by two key pillars:
- Technical Architecture: Overseeing high-level data flow from river-bed to cloud, ensuring 20-year system reliability.
- Systems & Policy: Navigating the intersection of open-source hardware, disaster recovery, and public data registries.
Why HMS Stewards?
- The Social Enterprise Model: We utilize a hybrid funding structure. While the Nonprofit owns the IP for the public good, our commercial arm fuels the mission by returning a 12% royalty on every hardware sale back to the research fund.
- Professional Reciprocity: We prioritize wisdom over labor. While our board provides governance, we actively seek to engage our partners’ technical expertise through transparent, arms-length contracting for API builds and specialized hardware integration.
The “Seacoast Watershed” Mission Map
Our pilot implementation covers the high-stakes confluence of the Great Bay and Piscataqua River.
- The Tributaries: Monitoring the “Five Rivers” (Bellamy, Oyster, Lamprey, Squamscott, and Winnicut).
- The Cross-Border Impact: By including Kittery, ME, and the Salmon Falls/Cochecho confluence, we qualify for interstate regional grants.
- The Targets: Nitrogen loading, eelgrass decline, and oyster bed health—the “Big Three” metrics for the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) and Great Bay Stewards.
The Scale: Turning Data into Degrees (The LMS)
Data is useless in a silo. We’re building a tiered Citizen Science LMS to empower residents as accredited ‘first responders’ for their local rivers:
- Tier 1: Watershed Literacy.
- Tier 2: Field Instrumentation & Calibration.
- Tier 3: Data Advocacy & Municipal Reporting.
| Phase | Milestone | Activity Focus | Risk Profile |
| Q1 2026 DONE | Entity Formation & Initial Capital | Execution of Federal 501(c)(3) and NH State filings; Trademarking of “HMS”; $18,000 Initial Founder-Funding secured for R&D and pilot hardware. | De-Risked / Completed |
| Q2 2026 | Governance & Security | Formalize Board of Directors; activate Directors & Officers (D&O) insurance and professional liability protections. | Administrative |
| Q3 2026 | The Bench Build | Finalize Bill of Materials (BOM); procure hardware; begin winch assembly. Finalizing the Open-Source Software Stack and Python automation for autonomous mission logic. | R&D (Internal) |
| Q4 2026 | System Calibration | Sensor tuning and hardware-in-the-loop testing; drafting of the MSU Assembly & Technical Manuals. | R&D (Internal) |
| Winter 26-27 | LMS Course Authoring | Development of the Citizen Science Curriculum; building interactive modules for water quality monitoring and data literacy. | Instructional Design |
| Q1 2027 | Donor Development & Grant Acquisition | Transitioning to the “Stewards Network” monthly giving model; submitting regional EPA/NHDES grant applications; securing “Blue Economy” corporate sponsorships. | Financial/Strategic |
| Q2 2027 | Field Trials | Controlled deployment of the MSU in Seacoast tributaries; stress-testing the 3-meter depth stabilization in tidal currents. | Operational R&D |
| Spring 2027 | The Public Launch | Citizen Science LMS goes live; Public curriculum launch; HMS Ghost MSU begins official time-series data collection. | Public Mission |
AI Concept: Assembling the sensor array and GPS integration of the MSU.
HMS “Lean Science” Mobile Sensing Unit (MSU)
To de-risk our strategy, we’re building an agency-grade MSU for under $2,500—proving our model can scale where $15,000 sondes cannot.
Dual-Mode Deployment
- Vessel-Mounted: For “Source-to-Sea” transects via the R/V HMS Buttercup.
- RC-Skiff (“The Ghost”): A shallow-draft unit for forensic mapping in inaccessible urban zones (e.g., North Mill Pond). It documents illegal runoff and snow-dumping with surgical precision.
Advanced Analyte Modeling: “Scout-and-Sample”
HMS utilizes high-fidelity proxies to eliminate expensive, high-drift hardware:
- Chloride (Road Salt): Derived via Specific Conductance mapped against NHDES-validated curves.
- Nutrients (Nitrates/Phosphates): HMS uses Turbidity and DO as “Scout” parameters. Anomalies trigger an automated Targeted Grab-Sampling protocol for lab analysis.
AI Concept: Assembling the pontoons and propulsion for deployment away from the research vessel to reach difficult areas.
| Category | Component | Manufacturer | Est. Price | Purchase Link |
| Logic | Feather M4 Express (CircuitPython) | Adafruit | $24.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/3857 |
| Protection | ISO1540 I2C Isolator | Adafruit | $14.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/4611 |
| Datalogger | Adalogger FeatherWing (RTC+SD) | Adafruit | $8.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/2922 |
| Location | Ultimate GPS Breakout (accuracy within 1.8 meters) | Adafruit | $29.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/746 |
| Location | GPS Antenna – External Active | Adafruit | $12.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/960 |
| Location | u.FL to SMA Adapter Cable | Adafruit | $3.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/851 |
| Environment | BMP280 Barometric (Air Pressure for depth compensation) | Adafruit | $9.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/2640 |
| Depth | Bar30 High-Pressure Depth Sensor | Blue Robotics | $104.00 | https://bluerobotics.com/store/sensors-sonars-cameras/sensors/bar30-sensor-r1/ |
| Depth (Bar 30th to Feather) | STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin to Premium Male Headers Cable | Adafruit | $0.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/4209 |
| Depth (Signal Boost – one between 3.3V and SDA, one between 3.3V and SCL) | Through-Hole Resistors – 4.7K ohm 5% 1/4W | Adafruit | $0.75 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/2783 |
| Water pH | EZO™ pH Circuit + Industrial Probe | Atlas Scientific | $176.98 | https://atlas-scientific.com/kits/ph-kit/ |
| Water Quality | EZO™ EC Circuit + K 10.0 Probe | Atlas Scientific | $267.98 | https://atlas-scientific.com/kits/conductivity-k-10-kit/ |
| Water Dissolved Oxygen | EZO™ D.O. Circuit + Galvanic Probe* | Atlas Scientific | $405.98 | https://atlas-scientific.com/kits/dissolved-oxygen-kit/ |
| Water Temperature | EZO™ RTD Circuit (Reads D.O. Temp) | Atlas Scientific | $35.99 | https://atlas-scientific.com/embedded-solutions/ezo-rtd-temperature-circuit/ |
| Water Turbidity | Cyber-Plant Digital Turbidity Sensor | Cyber-Plant | $180.00 | https://cyber-plant.com/shop/sensors/turbidity-sensor/ |
| Propulsion | AA2212 1000KV Brushless Motors 13T High Power Brushless Outrunner Motor (4 pack) | Hobbymall | $31.79 | https://www.amazon.com/Brushless-Outrunner-Aircraft-Multi-Copter-Quadcopter/dp/B0D1G6DQ19 |
| Propulsion | 30A RC Brushless Motor Electric Speed Controller | RCDrone | $17.99 | https://www.amazon.com/30A-Defiant-ESC-Controller-Multi-Directional/dp/B071GRSFBD?th=1 |
| Propulsion | 1045 1045R Carbon Fiber Propeller – 10X4.5 prop CW/CCW | RCDrone | $20.35 | https://rcdrone.top/products/1045-1045r-real-carbon-fiber-propeller |
| Control* | FlySky FS-i6X 6Ch Radio System | FlySky | $54.89 | https://www.amazon.com/FLYSKY-Transmitter-Controller-Receiver-Upgrade/dp/B07Z8VCB45 |
| *By utilizing the FlySky FS-i6X / iA6B telemetry-enabled link, the HMS “Ghost” provides a “Glass Cockpit” experience for the pilot. Real-time forensic indicators are injected into the i-BUS data stream via the Feather M4, allowing the operator to monitor Chloride trends and Dissolved Oxygen saturation from up to 500 meters away. This immediate feedback loop is the foundation of our “Scout-and-Sample” efficiency. | ||||
| Power | 12V 20Ah LiFePO4 Battery (x2) | TimeUSB | $130.00 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=12v+20ah+lifepo4 |
| Power | NOCO GEN5X2 2-Bank Charger | NOCO | $99.95 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=NOCO+GEN5X2 |
| Power | 12V to 5V DC Converter (5A) | DROK | $12.00 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=drok+12v+to+5v |
| Protection | ISO1540 I2C Isolator | Adafruit | $14.95 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/4611 |
| Optical/Video | DJI Osmo Action 5 | DJI | $0 | Founder Donated |
| Optical/Video | 5ft Waterproof USB-C Power Cable | Generic | $5.00 | Amazon |
| Winch Motor (vertical profiling) | INJORA 35KG Digital Winch Servo with 19mm*11mm, Waterproof 360 Rotation 23T | INJORA | $22.98 | https://www.amazon.com/INJORA-Digital-Winch-Waterproof-Rotation/dp/B0C9TM9X2C?th=1 |
| Winch Motor (Bearing Mounting Hub) | ServoBlock® (Standard Size, 25 Tooth Spline, Hub-Shaft) | ServoBlock | $34.99 | https://www.gobilda.com/servoblock-standard-size-25-tooth-spline-hub-shaft/ |
| Winch Spool (Shaft Clamp) | 1301 Series Clamping Hub (14mm Bore) | goBILDA | $6.99 | https://www.gobilda.com/1301-series-clamping-hub-14mm-bore/ |
| Winch Spool (Spool Axle) | 1505 Series 32mm OD Counterbored Pattern Spacer (12mm Length) | goBILDA | $6.49 | https://www.gobilda.com/1505-series-32mm-od-counterbored-pattern-spacer-12mm-length/ |
| Winch Spool (Spool Axle Shims) | Steel Pattern Spacer (14mm Bore, 32mm OD, 2mm Thickness, 2-Pack) ($2.99X2) | Base10 | $5.98 | https://www.gobilda.com/steel-pattern-spacer-14mm-bore-32mm-od-2mm-thickness-2-pack/ |
| Winch Spool (Spool Walls) | 3400 Series Hub Mount Round Belt Pulley (14mm Bore, 96mm PD ($8.99X2) | goBILDA | $17.98 | https://www.gobilda.com/3400-series-hub-mount-round-belt-pulley-14mm-bore-96mm-pd/ |
| Winch Spool (Fasteners with Anti-Seize)) | M4-0.7 x 25mm Socket Head Cap Screw Bolts, Allen Socket, Stainless Steel, Full Thread, Machine Thread (50 pack) | MewuDecor | $8.54 | https://www.amazon.com/M4-0-7-Socket-Screws-Stainless-Machine/dp/B07KRS36P2?th=1 |
| Winch Umbilical | 100lb Test Braided PE Fishing Line (Low-stretch/High-strength) | Reaction Tackle | $13.98 | https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09CW82CX4 |
| Winch Umbilical | 2lb Lead “Downrigger” Cannonball (Keeps MSU vertical at 2 knots) | MagBay Lures | $12.00 | https://www.amazon.com/MagBay-Lures-Salmon-Cannonball-Downrigger/dp/B095VVFMRS?th=1 |
| Winch Umbilical | Atlas Scientific 3m SMA Extension (RG179 shielding) – Yellow | Atlas Scientific | $29.99 | https://atlas-scientific.com/cables/sma-mf-extension-cable/ |
| Winch Hardware | Heat-shrink & UV-rated Zip-ties (to marry line to signal cable) | Local Supply | $5.00 | Lowe’s/Ace/Home Depot |
| Hull | 5″ x 8′ Sch 40 PVC + Caps/Plugs | Local Supply | $155.00 | https://www.homedepot.com/ |
| Mapping/Collision Avoidance | Blue Robotics Ping Sonar | $430.00 | https://bluerobotics.com/store/sonars/echosounders/ping-sonar-r2-rp/ | |
| Probe connectors in Sampling Pod | STEMMA QT / Qwiic Cables | $12.00 | ||
| 5V to 3.3V Stepper | Logic Level Shifter (4-channel) | $5.00 | ||
| Sonar to MSU | Shielded Twisted Pair Cable | |||
| Hardware | XT60 Bulkhead Connectors (Panel) | Amass/Gen | $12.00 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=XT60+bulkhead+connector |
| Hardware | Bud Industries NEMA 4X Enclosure | Bud Ind. | $45.00 | https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Bud-Industries/NBF-32016 |
| Foldable/Breakaway GPS Mast | 2″ PVC Pipe & Pivot Fittings | Local Supply | $8.00 | Lowe’s/Ace/Home Depot |
| Foldable/Breakaway GPS Mast | SS 316 Carriage Bolt & Wing Nut | Local Supply | $8.00 | Lowe’s/Ace/Home Depot |
| Hardware | 3.5mm Bullet Connectors (10pk) | Generic | $8.00 | https://www.amazon.com/s?k=3.5mm+bullet+connectors |
| Wiring (tinned) | 14/3 Marine Triplex Cable (25ft) | Ancor | $38.00 | https://www.amazon.com/BNTECHGO-Silicone-Flexible-Strands-Stranded/dp/B01AO7586O |
| Hardware | SMS Enclosure Gland PG16 #3125 | Blue Sea | $6.24 | https://shop.pkys.com/Blue-Sea-3125-Enclosure-Gland-MD-PG16-14-10-Cable_p_2702.html |
| Hardware | I2C Hub / Terminal Block | Adafruit | $6.00 | https://www.adafruit.com/product/4630 |
| Logic Wiring | JST-PH 2.0mm Tinned Silicone Pigtails (10pk) | Elechawk | $7.99 | https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Connector-Battery-Inductrix-Eachine/dp/B07NWD5NTN |
| TOTAL | Estimated Initial Capital Outlay | $2,582.05 | ||
Addendum: Advanced Analyte Modeling & Proxy Protocol
| To ensure maximum mission up-time and minimize high-maintenance sensor drift, the HMS Ghost employs a “Scout-and-Sample” architecture. This methodology follows established EPA and NHDES environmental modeling standards. | ||||
| Chloride (Road Salt) | Rather than utilizing high-drift Ion-Selective Electrodes (ISE), we derive Chloride levels using Specific Conductance mapped against NHDES-validated correlation curves. This provides a rugged, solid-state solution for salinity mapping in brackish environments. | Hardware Proxy: Atlas EZO-EC / K 10.0 | ||
| Nutrient Intelligence (Nitrates/Phosphates) | HMS utilizes Turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) as real-time forensic proxies. Sustained anomalies in these “Scout” parameters trigger an automated Targeted Grab-Sampling protocol for laboratory analysis. This ensures 100% data integrity for regulated nutrients while eliminating the $2,000+ cost of finicky in-situ chemical analyzers. | Hardware Proxy: Cyber-Plant / Atlas D.O. | ||
AI Concept Art: Potential design for pontoons, including battery stowage to increase MSU stability. Includes AI typos and redundancy.
This schematic is the proof-of-concept for “Reproducible, Scalable Citizen Science.”
We’re explicitly demonstrating that HMS does not require an expensive engineering firm, carbon-fiber manufacturing, or complex 3D-printing infrastructure to field a professional forensic data-mapping ASV.
The goal is to maintain high fiscal responsibility (building professional tools for the price of standard hardware) while retaining 100% of the technical capability required to map New Hampshire Headwaters and the Seacoast.
AI Concept Art: Visualization of dual-purpose communication mast – elevated GPS pick for more accuracy and real-time feedback to remote control handset displaying ongoing readings and warning messages (such as Targeted Grab-Sampling protocol alert). Includes AI typos and redundancy.
The Strategic Delta: Benchmarking Lean Science
To demonstrate the scalability of ‘Lean Science,’ we have benchmarked the HMS Ghost against industry-standard Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs). While commercial platforms carry a six-figure premium for proprietary industrial hardening, the Ghost achieves 1:1 data parity by integrating high-performance consumer technology.
| Feature Category | HMS “Ghost” (MSU) | Industrial USV (Heron) | Strategic Role |
| Base Chassis | $230.00 | $64,000.00 | Agility: PVC is field-repairable; Carbon fiber is not. |
| Water Quality | $1,114.93 | $18,500.00 | Accuracy: Identical forensic-grade electrochemical sensors at 1/17th the cost. |
| Vertical Profiling | $158.00 | $12,500.00 | The Wedge: HMS captures the “Salt Wedge” layer; the Heron doesn’t collect stratified data. |
| Optical/Video | $0.00 (Donated) | $8,500.00 | Evidence: 4K Stabilized Osmo footage vs. standard low-res industrial IP streams. |
| Support Hardware | $684.35 | $16,500.00 | Simplicity: Off-the-shelf marine components vs. proprietary aerospace-grade overhead. |
| TOTAL | $2,582.05 | $120,000.00 | The Delta: $117,810.74 |
Real-World 6-Hour Mission Profile
Okay, it’s economical, but what does it actually DO for me?
If HMS leaves the dock at high tide and follows the ebb out to the coast:
| Segment | Duration | Data Points | Spatial Coverage |
| Upper Tributary (Slow) | 2 Hours | 720 | High-density (every 30ft) |
| Main Channel (Mid-Speed) | 2 Hours | 720 | Medium-density (every 60ft) |
| The Bay/Coast (Trawling) | 2 Hours | 720 | Macro-mapping |
| TOTAL | 6 Hours | ~2,160 | Total Watershed Snapshot |
By utilizing a modular, vertically integrated architecture, we provide the same 4K visual evidence and chemical ‘ground truth’ as a $100,000 industrial unit at a fraction of the capital risk. This allows HMS Stewards to navigate the high-debris ‘forensic hotspots’ of the New Hampshire watershed that would be physically and financially inaccessible to high-liability commercial equipment.
The Integrated Forensic Data-Vault
To facilitate peer-reviewed research, HMS utilizes a Relational Metadata Protocol. Every mission is archived as a synchronized ‘Data Package,’ where high-frequency chemical telemetry is cross-referenced with 4K optical evidence via UTC timestamps. This allows researchers to instantly correlate a localized nitrate spike in the database to its corresponding visual frame—providing a ‘Single Source of Truth’ for municipal reporting and state-level advocacy.
Beyond the Surface and Into the Depths
While most citizen-science tools are limited to the ‘Surface Skin’ of the water, the HMS ‘Ghost’ utilizes Shielded SMA Umbilicals and a High-Torque Winch to perform forensic audits of the entire water column. This allows us to detect ‘Salt Wedges’ and oxygen-depleted zones that are completely invisible to standard surface-level sensors.