Nanoengineered Hybrid Gas Sensors for Spacesuit Monitoring

N5 Sensors partnering with George Mason University (GMU) have demonstrated ultra-small, low-power gas sensors, ideally suited for integrated space suit monitoring. A single-chip carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and ammonia (NH3) sensors capable of operating at high-humidity conditions, different range of oxygen in the environment and with low-power consumption was demonstrated as a proof-of-concept in phase I and subsequent improvement along with system-integration was demonstrated in phase II. This was accomplished by N5’s patented innovation in photo-enabled sensing utilizing nanotechnology-based hybrid chemiresistor architecture. This unique architecture combines the selective adsorption properties of the nanophotocatalytic functional material, with the sensitive transduction capability of sub-micron semiconductor GaN structures. N5 will have a 2-fold objective for this sequential phase 2 STTR project to support the over arching goal of technology infusion to both NASA programs and commercial markets and applications – 1) Improve the overall TLR of the project, and 2) Develop additional sensing capabilities suitable for both PLSS, space flight applications and also for ground based testing and other applications.

Ultra low-power, miniature carbon dioxide sensors capable of operating at 100% oxygen environment has application in carbon dioxide monitoring for space suites for various EVA operations in space missions. In addition, carbon dioxide, ammonia and oxygen sensors also have ground-based applications such as testing with humans-in the loop for various portable life support systems evaluations.

Monitoring carbon dioxide as human occupancy indicator and subsequently controlling ventilation results into substantial energy savings for commercial buildings. Low-cost, calibration-free carbon dioxide sensors as a replacement for Non-Dispersive Infrared sensors can revolutionize demand controlled ventilation.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.