Moon Medicine: Blood Staining and Novel Miniaturized Imaging Technology to Facilitate both Research and Critical Lunar Diagnosis, Year 2

Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

Development of a miniaturized (hand held) 100x microscope suitable to support medical, research or environmental monitoring. Resolution is suitable to image blood cells for medical diagnostics. Capability allows wireless image transfer and remote control from Earth.
Development of a microgravity compatible blood smear preparation and staining system that would in minutes allow a fingerstick blood sample to be imaged in minutes by a hand held device. Medical – WBC differential analysis, infection, PLT, clotting, monitor effects of SPE, etc.
Imaging capability extends to other sample types for both biological and materials applications. Year 2 will develop microbial monitoring and identification capability. Imaging vehicle contaminants, lunar surface samples, etc. are also within capability.

Benefits

The physiological dysregulations observed on ISS is likely to worsen on the lunar surface. The proposed Blood Staining and Novel Miniaturized Imaging novel technology will provide needed diagnostic capability on the lunar surface to surgeons to assist diagnosis of certain illnesses and selection of treatment options. The Blood Staining and Novel Miniaturized Imaging technology will also enable operational and research applications (LUNAR PARTICULATE RESEARCH), and potential terrestrial spin off benefits for military, third world medicine, outbreaks. Year two development will demonstrate compatibility with spaceflight operations, and provide important microbial detection capability.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Atomic and Molecular Species Assessment
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JSC CIF (JSC CIF)
Lead organization	Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
Start date	2020-10-01
End date	2021-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Brian E Crucian — brian.crucian-1@nasa.gov
David T Melendez — david.t.melendez@nasa.gov
George Makedonas — george.makedonas@nasa.gov
Kathleen A Mcmonigal — kathleen.a.mcmonigal@nasa.gov
Kristine K Ohnesorge — kristine.k.ohnesorge@nasa.gov
Mayra A Nelman-gonzalez — mayra.a.nelman@nasa.gov
Simon J Clemett — simon.j.clemett@nasa.gov
Stephanie S Krieger-wesley — stephanie.s.krieger@nasa.gov

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.