Drone cloud seeding and atmospheric intelligenceInnovation Above.Impact Below.
Alto Cirra develops drone-deployed cloud seeding technology, combining uncrewed aircraft, meteorology and mission data, and is designed to support water supply for resorts, watersheds and communities.
What we do
Autonomous atmospheric operations.
Founded in partnership with PSA Solutions, Alto Cirra brings together drone systems, atmospheric expertise and data-backed mission planning. We are developing drone cloud seeding capabilities to support water resources and the communities that depend on mountain snowpack.
- Expert team
- Founders and engineers working across aviation, atmospheric science and water.
- Local knowledge
- Deep roots in Utah, understanding regional water challenges.
- Global vision
- Responsible, documented methods that can extend to other snow-fed regions.
Target
Forecasting, storm selection and atmospheric data.
Weather models identify viable storm systems. GPS-guided flight paths target specific cloud layers with precision.
Deliver
Autonomous UAS and precision payload deployment.
Autonomous drones are designed to fly into storm cells and execute calibrated seeding profiles.
Validate
Telemetry, mission records and reporting.
Missions are designed to generate detailed logs, flight telemetry and post-operation reports for client verification.
Platform
Precision weather, measurable impact.
Alto Cirra's drones execute targeted cloud seeding operations guided by advanced analytics and real-time data. Every flight is designed to maximize efficiency, increase precipitation safely, and create tangible water solutions for communities.
Aircraft / Control / Payload / Data
- 01
Aircraft Platform
Purpose-built, rugged drone airframes engineered for sustained flight in harsh storm environments. Designed for payload capacity, endurance, and operational reliability.
- 02
Control Systems
Advanced autopilot, navigation, and communication systems with built-in redundancy. Remote command capability with real-time telemetry.
- 03
Payload Delivery
Precision dispersal mechanisms calibrated for consistent seeding agent distribution across varying atmospheric conditions.
- 04
Data & Reporting
Comprehensive mission logs, storm targeting records, and post-operation reporting. Structured to support the record-keeping that program sponsors and regulators may require.
How a mission works
From forecast to report.
Stage 1 of 4
- 01
Forecast & Storm Selection
Weather models identify viable storm systems and optimal seeding windows across target regions.
- 02
Mission Planning & Approvals
Flight plans, airspace coordination, and regulatory approvals are completed in advance of deployment.
- 03
Drone Deployment & Seeding
Autonomous drones fly into target storm cells and execute calibrated seeding profiles.
- 04
Reporting & Verification
Comprehensive post-mission data packages including flight logs, dispersal records, and operational summaries.
What we deliver
Built as an operating program, not a one-off flight.
- 01Storm targeting and mission planning
- 02Rapid deployment execution
- 03Payload deployment and in-flight logging
- 04Post-mission reporting and documentation
- 05Scalable fleet operations across storm seasons
- 06Government-ready compliance documentation
Illustrative operating targets
* Sample metrics. Operational figures will vary by program and deployment conditions.
- Operational readiness from storm alert
- < 4 hrs
- Operational readiness from storm alert
- Drones deployable per storm system
- 12+
- Drones deployable per storm system
- Mission reporting delivery
- < 24 hrs
- Mission reporting delivery
- Target mission completion rate
- 99.5%
- Target mission completion rate
Applications
Built for government and enterprise partners.
Partnership / PSA
Built with experienced aerospace infrastructure.
Working with PSA, Alto Cirra pairs aerospace engineering support with drone cloud seeding operations. The aim is documented, reviewable work in support of community water supply.
What the relationship enables
- Seeding programs aimed at suitable storms over target watersheds
- Data-driven, environmentally responsible interventions
- Engineering and operational support for drone programs
- Purpose-built drone aircraft manufacturing and support
Engineering-backed operations. Deployment-ready infrastructure.
Utah / Local context
Water resilience starts upstream.
Supporting local resilience: Great Salt Lake restoration.
At Alto Cirra, our commitment to sustainable water solutions extends beyond innovation — it's about real environmental impact for the communities we serve. We support collaborative efforts to restore and protect the Great Salt Lake, a critical ecological and economic resource for Utah and the intermountain West.
State and community leaders have launched the Great Salt Lake 2034 Charter, a public‑private initiative aimed at restoring healthier lake levels ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City by increasing water flows, enhancing habitat, and strengthening long‑term stewardship.
Alto Cirra's work — combining advanced atmospheric technology with data‑driven water management — aligns with this broader goal of safeguarding water resources and supporting resilient ecosystems.
We believe that innovation above leads to impact below — not just in rainfall optimization, but in regional water security and environmental health.
Leadership
The team behind the mission.
Andrew Verda
Founder & CEO
Operations and business development leader with a background in aviation and infrastructure. Drives deployment strategy and partner relationships across municipal and enterprise markets.
Ethan Friedman
Chief of Staff · Co-Founder
Strategy and operations executive focused on scaling complex technical programs. Oversees mission planning, regulatory coordination, and operational footprint across western watersheds.
Mike McHale
Strategic Technical Partner — PSA
Veteran aerospace engineer and founder of PSA. Leads aircraft design, control systems development, and technical integration for Alto Cirra's drone fleet.
Contact
Let's turn innovation into impact.
If you're a community leader, partner, or stakeholder, Alto Cirra is ready to explore how our technology can make a measurable difference.
Email
info@altocirra.com