Modular Architecture for the Deep Space Habitat Instrumentation System

This project is focused on developing a continually evolving modular backbone architecture for the Deep Space Habitat (DSH) instrumentation system by integrating new instrumentation technologies and technology demonstrations into the DSH. By creating a modular architecture, instrumentation can be easily changed out in the event of failures, or upgraded to newer versions of hardware. The instrumentation system is continuously evolving as hardware is upgraded as a result of lessons learned from previous tests, and as new hardware is implemented to evaluate new technologies and technology demonstrations. Accomplishments: A Flat Surface Damage Detection System (FSDDS) panel (KSC technology) was successfully integrated with DSH software and tested over SNRF networks. This demonstration proves the capability of interconnecting testbeds and enables future technology development/testing in this manner. The FSDDS also successfully tested multiple panels interconnected in a standalone configuration; A Radiation Environment Monitor (REM) was successfully integrated and tested. The team also collected important data on background radiation levels; The RFID system previously developed for the Geology Laboratory Workstation was further integrated with software. This system successfully tracked all rock samples and organized the data for each sample; An RFID system was successfully integrated into the medical operations workstation to provide inventory management of medical devices and supplies; A portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer was integrated as a standalone test. The FTIR was successfully tested and the data provided interesting science on the composition of the internal atmosphere of the DSH, as well as the activities of the crew during the tests; Wireless Sensor Nodes (WSNs), the backbone architecture for the wireless modular instrumentation system in the DSH, were upgraded to account for lessons learned from the previous year. The upgrades proved successful.

Some of the technologies tested either already had working flight hardware or were developing the flight versions of the hardware.  Testing in the DSH provided them with additional data, an opportunity to test within an integrated system, and exposure to developing their technology for habitat systems.  These technologies subsequently increased their TRL through testing with the DSH team, and are furthering their goals of implementing these technologies on current funded missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.