An Intelligent and Wireless Communication Enabled Plasma Probe for Full Scale Rocket Testing

The development of rocket propulsion systems requires rigorous testing. Technology with low-technology readiness levels (TRL) can be proven in small scaled down experiments. However, components and systems with higher-TRLs must be tested at full-scale conditions. These full-scale tests usually require numerous non-homogenous sensors and instrumentation meticulously placed over large distances that are robust to harsh and adverse environmental conditions (e.g., high-temperature and pressure). Data must be efficiently transmitted and shared to ensure successful testing. To address this need, Spectral Energies (SE) in collaboration with its academic partners are proposing to develop its plasma sensor into a robust, standalone sensor package that can be placed in a testing site and transmit data, sensor health information, etc. to a central location with minimal human involvement. This will take advantage of SE’s existing plasma sensor technology which has been successfully used to measure pressure and velocity in harsh environments such as a jet engine, hypersonic wind tunnel, rotation detonation engine, sounding rocket, etc. Remote transmission capability will be incorporated and the electronics and control circuits will be modified for high-temperature application. During Phase I, the team will develop the sensor for high-enthalpy wake measrument. Remote sensing technology that can be integrated into the sensor package will be explored. Phase II will see the incorporation of the sensor and remote sensing transmission technology into a robust package. At the end of Phase II, a demonstration of the sensor package will be performed in a harsh environment. Ultimately this will provide NASA (and the ground testing community) with capability to efficiently perform large scale ground testing.

Artemis Program: Provide efficient large scale testing capability needed to qualify technology for use on future space missions Other Programs: Other NASA programs can also benefit from the plasma sensor package, e.g., full-scale engine testing (ARMD, CST, TACP)

Commercial Space Launch: Companies like SpaceX, Blue Orign, etc. that require rocket testing may use sensor system to test their technology Aircraft Engines: Companies like GE, Rolls Royce, etc. may need to test their engines, which will expose sensors to high-temperature and pressure. Hypersonics: Hypersonic testing also requires robust sensors and the plasma sensor could be a viable option

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.

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.