Polaris Project: Multifunctional Nanosensor Platform for Environmental Monitoring

Enabling Capabilities special project series: Polaris Project, small flight experiments or risk reduction projects to fulfill high-priority capabilities gaps.

Project Description & Objectives

• The objective is to develop a small, light (<1kg), low power (<5W), yet highly sensitive, in situ instrument-on-a-chip for environmental monitoring by printing various components with unique and automated micro- and nano-printing techniques developed by our group.

Why this project is important:

• Minimizes integration challenges of individual components
• Automated and scalable process with much higher reproducibility, reliability and yield compared to traditionally fabricated nanomaterial-based devices.

Technology infusion & innovation approach

• We plan to bring the TRL up to 6 by the end of 2024 under Polaris, at which point there are multiple paths to infuse MNP into flight missions.
• In addition to environmental monitoring of space assets, MNP can be used to monitor outgassing from samples in sample return missions.

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.