Scalable Autonomously Configured Integrated DAQ/Control System, Year 1

Data acquisition and control systems are currently highly reliant on manual component and instrumentation configuration. Autonomous systems reduce this dependency and have great potential in reducing the risk of error, increasing operators' system awareness, and reducing the requirement for constant contact with mission control. Implementation of a system capable of both autonomous configuration and operation benefits SSC propulsion test activities while simultaneously providing critical experience in developing such systems for in-situ resource utilization in cis-lunar space and beyond. This project's goal is to develop an integrated data acquisition and control system capable of autonomously configuring and operating instrumentation and the bulk of necessary components required in a mobile rocket engine test platform. The innovative approach in this project is to develop a fully integrated DAQ and control system that utilizes novel data structures to automatically configure and scale components and instrumentation as they are added to the system. DAQ and control systems typically have common capabilities implemented in different ways for each set of specific software: - drivers/plugins that support stand industrial communication protocols; built-in Electronic Data Sheets (EDS) to automatically load component and calibration level information to the system; loading sequencer and redline type information. (As part of the OCT Innovation Seedling Accelerator Experiment, we will be using the NASA@Work platform to seek other innovative ideas and agile processes that may be considered for incorporation during this CIF project.)

Data structures and methods for auto-configuration of instrumentation and components could be deployed across SSC’s test complex and/or anywhere requiring high performance data acquisition and control systems on ground or in space. HEOMD/Rocket Propulsion Test (RPT) centers could likely be early infusion targets.

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.