Solid-State, Electrochemical Micro-Sensors for Atmospheric Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide Measurements at the Surface of Venus

This Phase II E proposal will deploy a high temperature chemical sensor array that can installed in the NASA Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER) to monitor trace gas species such as SOx, CO, OCS, H2O. The system is based on the previously sensor experiments conducted by Makel Engineering, Inc. (MEI) in GEER and the sensor probe and packaging refinements derived from the Phase II program. This project will develop a new product which can be incorporated into the growing number of Venus atmospheric environment test facilities and will simultaneous increase the TRL level of the sensor and packaging technology for potential development as part of mission payload.

NASA extreme environment test chambers and when combined with high temperature electronics the sensor array technology can be used as part of a planetary lander payload for a mission to the surface of Venus and atmospheric profiling. Other NASA applications include lunar ISRU oxygen generation process monitoring, autonomous sensing systems for lunar water/ice exploration, and embedded instrumentation for advance aeronautic engines and test facilities.

Emissions and combustion measurement in turbine engines Advanced molten carbonate fuel cell control instrumentation Carbon sequestration including underground storage site monitoring Geological monitoring of gas venting from volcanoes

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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