Intelligent Photonic Micro-Sensor Network for Rocket Propulsion Ground Testing

NASA’s requirements for improved measurement and analysis techniques for propulsion system performance characteristics for rocket propulsion systems. IFOS is developing a scalable, wirelessly networked, photonic instrumentation solution for measurement of strain and temperature, and derived acoustics, pressure, and heat flux. IFOS’ chip-scale solution leverages the latest advances in photonic integrated circuits (PIC) and highly confined Brillouin sensing for ultra-fine localization of structural and environmental events of interest. IFOS’ sensors will address NASA’s need for instrumenting inaccessible measurement locations on rocket propulsion test structures. The concept of operations includes both wireless sensor network operation and fiber-connected networking where cybersecurity and/or EMI/RFI are a concern. In Phase I, IFOS and Stanford University will demonstrate concept feasibility of the innovative sensing network concept. In Phase II, field demonstration will occur with rocket propulsion system prime integrator. IFOS will leverage synergistic work on self-healing networks, built-in test, and distributed in-fiber Brillouin sensing. The concept can later be extended to SHM of in-flight systems, autonomous vehicle operation, or instrumenting inaccessible measurement locations.

This innovation meets NASA’s requirements for improved measurement and analysis techniques for propulsion system performance characteristics for rocket propulsion systems. The technology can also be used to provide information to safely expand the flight and test envelopes of rocket vehicles and components.

Commercial markets stand to benefit from IFOS’ technology for testing and validation of highly integrated/synergistic structures including COPVs in the aerospace, automobile, and infrastructure industries, and photoacoustics and ultrasonics in medicine. Commercial aviation, the oil and gas industry, and land and marine vehicles will significantly benefit.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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