Intelligent Fiber Optic Sensor Suite for Advanced Propulsion Ground Testing

IFOS proposes to develop a test rig sensor suite to measure pressures/acoustics, static and dynamic strains and temperatures for advanced propulsion systems such as that used for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and SpaceX’s Starship IFOS will leverage off its experience in the turbine engine industry and harsh environment sensors. The system incorporates multiplexed optical fiber sensors adapted to measuring temperature, dynamic pressure/acoustics, static and dynamic strain at high sampling rates. Compared to existing ground testing technology, the system has greatly simplified design, reduced size, and expanded sensing capability in terms of number of sensing points, multi-functionality and overall precision. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility and Phase II will develop and deliver an engineering prototype for transitioning to NASA’s test rigs. The proposed test rig sensor suite will assist rigorous ground testing to. It will faciltate minimization of test program time, cost, and risk including mitigate propulsion system risks inherent in spaceflight as well as meet existing environmental and safety regulations.

This technology also has the potential to provide solutions to NASA’s challenges in developing better propulsion systems, lighter weight, higher performance structural materials, higher performance instrumentation, improved measurement capability, and enhanced platform safety over extended operational lifetimes. The technology will readily extend to any NASA vehicle application where Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is desired, including extra-planetary exploration, robotic missions, and human space operations.

The proposed work will significantly benefit the commercial space launch industry through development of advanced fiber optic sensor based ground test systems that enhance chemical and advanced propulsion technology development and certification. Example applications include enhancing safe launching of rockets such SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Starship, and Rocket Lab’s Electron and Neutron rockets.

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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