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Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Develop a structural health monitoring platform for a reusable rocket launch platform by ruggedizing a COTS fiber sensing system so that it can survive a launch environment. This effort will be the first time fiber sensors are demonstrated as a viable platform to showcase vehicle health on a re-launchable rocket platform. This collaboration will foster a relationship with the space launch community.
Currently, there is little or no way to validate the structural health of reusable rockets after deployment. By installing fiber optics sensor in the OML/IML (outer mold-line/inner mold-line) of the reusable vehicle, the structural integrity of the vehicle can be mapped out and potential problems can be monitored.
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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.
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