Infrared Smart Cameras for Cryogenic Systems Monitoring

Ground operations involving rocket launches inevitably involve cryogenic storage, transport and loading as part of the launch procedure. These large systems operate at extremely high temperature differentials compared to the environment, usually measured in hundreds of degrees. Many of the issues associated with the cryogenic systems are detectable with temperature sensors, but instrumenting the large areas and lengths associated with cryogenic tubing and tanks with discrete sensors in order to catch anomalies would be quite difficult. Infrared cameras are a good option, as they have the capability to survey large areas. Unfortunately, most infrared camera systems are quite expensive and require expensive power and data lines to be run to each of them. Typical installation costs regularly exceed $20,000 per camera. More importantly for the establishment of Autonomous Operations, interpreting still or video infrared imagery is very time consuming and requires trained humans in the loop. This project looks to alleviate these issues by developing and deploying a novel Autonomous Operations Technology (AOT) that is extremely well suited for automatically monitoring cryogenic installations. Sensatek will develop and deploy low cost, wireless infrared cameras that have smart algorithms integrated in the camera to automatically detect, plot, and help infer anomalous or negatively-trending situations. These camera nodes will be designed to operate with high durability and safety outdoors in the presence of cryogenic and explosive gases.

The following NASA programs of record could benefit from the application of Sensatek AI-powered low-mass infrared camera systems: Rocket Propulsion Testing Program; X-plane program; Artemis program; Space Launch System (SLS) program; Lunar Gateway Program; Commercial Crew and the International Space Station; Advanced Air Vehicles Program; Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program; Sustainable Flight National Partnership; Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC) program; Scalable Traffic Management for Emergency Response Operations (STEReO)

Power Generation Gas Turbine Engines; Power Generation Gas Turbine Lube Oil Pumps; Power Generation Wind Turbine Gearboxes Power Generation Electrical Distribution Panels, Transformers, and Power Lines; Oil and Gas Compressors; Oil and Gas Drilling Rigs; HVAC Compressors; Large Chiller Compressors

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.