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Low SWaP-C, Flight-Capable Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing Platform
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Description
The firm proposes to perform studies related to size, weight, power, cost reduction, and ruggedization of a flight-capable, multi-parameter distributed fiber-optic sensing interrogator for testing advanced flight vehicles including those pertaining to NASA’s Integrated Aviation Systems Program (IASP) Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities (FDC) project. The technology will aid understanding of flight / spaceflight structural dynamics, leading to improved simulation models and designs as well as to improved airframe structural integrity and safety. Improved quantity and quality of operational flight measurements together with improved models will help accelerate design iterations and enable future high-performance aircraft to operate in a more predictable, efficient, and safe manner.
Benefits
The proposed technology enables acquisition of real-time, in-flight operational temperature, strain, vibration, and other measurements related to structural dynamics analysis and health monitoring of airframe structures and aerodynamic surfaces.
The technology is applicable to harsh environments including cryogenic and space environments as well as high shock / vibe environments. Non-NASA commercial applications of the technology include commercial aerospace & aviation, pipeline monitoring, traffic / roadway monitoring, perimeter / border security, downhole oil & gas, and wind turbine monitoring.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Environment Sensors |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Sequent Logic, LLC, North Logan, UT |
| Start date | 2023-08-03 |
| End date | 2024-02-02 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.