Acidic Aerosol Separator Apparatus (ASA) For Venus Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (VAMS), Year 1

Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)

Description

We leverage the NanoJet Flow Cell (NJFC) used in flexible electronics manufacturing to build an advanced particle (liquid and solid) extractor. Particles ranging in size from 0.3um to 7um will be separated from the atmosphere, see Figure. The NJFC is unique aerodynamic lens known to continuously focus liquid droplets ranging in size from 0.3um to 10um in diameter for extended periods of time without clogging. The aerosol jets are 40-60um wide and extracted from the gas phase at near 100% transmission efficiency. This is crucial for long term atmospheric sampling applications.

Benefits

The AASA is 2kg, 2L, 24W (CBE) state-of-the-art aerosol sampling system that will enable for the first time in situ characterization of Venus haze and help solve the long-standing mystery of UV absorbing species suspected to be dissolved in microscopic sulfuric acid droplets. Compared to AASA, present laboratory state-of-the art aerosol mass spectrometers and nephelometers are at least 50 times the size, mass, and power of the proposed apparatus. The AASA is critical for the in situ Venus Aerosol Mass Spectrometer.

Details

Technology area	Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF (JPL CIF)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
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.

Kevin H Baines — kevin.baines@jpl.nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.