Compact, Low Power, Multi-Parameter Astronaut Life Support Sensor (M-PALSS)

Makel Engineering, Inc. (MEI) proposes to continue to development of a highly compact Multi-Parameter Astronaut Life Support Sensor (M-PALSS) for use in the portable life support system (PLSS) for the new Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). M-PALSS will consist of an array of low power chemical microsensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and pressure to monitor the major constituents in the gas stream circulated by the PLSS and/or exhaled from the astronaut in the rebreather loop. In Phase I, highly miniaturized chemical microsensors were packaged with electronics in a compact physical envelope and low power consumption. Phase II will develop and test prototypes ready for PLSS integration and will coordinate design and requirements with NASA, Collins Aerospace, and Axiom Space. Additional sensing capability for ammonia, carbon monoxide, and other chemical sensing gaps will be evaluated for integration. In Phase II, two generation of prototypes will be developed and tested to mature the technology to TRL 6 by the end of the program. Phase II will continue development of a highly compact Multi-Parameter Astronaut Life Support Sensor (M-PALSS) for use in the portable life support system (PLSS) for the new Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU).  M-PALSS will consist of an array of low power chemical microsensors for oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and pressure to monitor the major constituents in the gas stream circulated by the PLSS and/or exhaled from the astronaut in the rebreather loop. In Phase I, highly miniaturized chemical microsensors were packaged with electronics in a compact physical envelope and low power consumption.  Phase II will develop and test prototypes ready for PLSS integration and will coordinate design  and requirements with NASA, Collins Aerospace, and Axiom Space. Additional sensing capability for ammonia, carbon monoxide, and other chemical sensing gaps will be evaluated for integration.  In Phase II, two generation of prototypes will be developed and tested to mature the technology to TRL 6 by the end of the program. Objective 1 – Align M-PALSS Configuration and Requirements with NASA and Contractor (Collins Aerospace and Axiom Space) PLSS Designs Objective 2 – Design and Fabricate GEN 1 Version of M-PALSS Building on the Success of the Phase I Prototype Objective 3 – Optimize Sensor Performance for PLSS conditions and Evaluate the Addition of Ammonia (NH3),  Formaldehyde (CH2O), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Sensors to Address Gaps in Current PLSS Chemical Sensing Objective 4 – Perform Testing of GEN-1 Sensors at Full Range of PLSS Operation Conditions and Requirements Objective 5 – Design and Fabricate Generation 2.0 Prototype Units Objective 6 – Test GEN-1 and GEN-2 Prototype Systems in Lab and Simulated Environments to Achieve TRL 6 by the end of Program   TASK 1.0. xPLSS Integration Requirements TASK 2.0. Generation 1 Prototype Development TASK 3.0. Generation 1 Prototype Testing TASK 4.0. Evaluation of Enhanced Sensing Capability TASK 5.0. Generation 2 Prototype Development TASK 6.0. Generation 2 Prototype Demonstration Testing TASK 7.0. Reporting   Deliverables: Two (2) Gen 1 Prototypes– Month 8 Two (2) Gen 2 Prototypes – Month 24 Progress and Final Reports

The primary NASA application for the technology is to support human exploration activities by providing enhanced sensing capability to new generation of space suit life support systems including xEMU and the PLSS module. The technology is also applicable to ISS, Gateway, and future lunar outpost life support systems. Non-NASA Applications include commercial and military diving rebreathing systems which have similar sensing requirements. Medical applications for the technology are portable oxygen generators and respirators.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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