Advancing Fiber Optic Sensing Technology for Space Applications (FOSS) (FOSS)

With the push towards the upcoming Artemis moon expeditions in the coming years, innovative technology solutions will be required to achieve the mission. A space rated Fiber Optic Sensing System (FOSS) technology that can measure temperature, strain, shape, and liquid level sensing has been developed at the Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC). As with any new technology development, it must be accurate, reliable, economical, and well proven before being committed to long duration missions. The technology has gained wide spread acceptance in the lab environment, but has yet to be adopted in space applications. Opportunities to test the technology in a relevant environment are required to gain flight heritage and increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Problem Statement The team has two goals to move the technology forward. First, Increase the TRL of the technology by testing the FOSS on any available future launch opportunities. Second, collaborate with launch providers such as Blue Origin to understand their challenges as they pursue future moon missions. To meet these goals, the team would demonstrate an operational ready system that has successfully completed environmental testing, perform integration of the system and test article onto a launch platform, obtain data during the launch profile, and document the system performance for technology transfer and collaboration opportunities. Technology Maturation The Rocket Box would obtain data during the launch profile to demonstrate the performance of the system and thus increase the TRL of the technology.

• Lightweight: Reduces resource burden by minimizing sensor weight • Precise: Collects significantly more strain and temperature measurements than conventional sensors • Versatile: Supports monitoring of thermal conditions, cryogenic fuel, structural load, and other parameters Future Customers - LOFTID Reentry Vehicle Thermal Monitoring - Vehicle Structural Load Monitoring - Cryogenic Liquid Level - Structural Shape Measurement - Vehicle Certification and Model Validation

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.

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.