Millimeter/Microwave Inspection System for Concrete and Concrete Structures to Support Lunar and Martian Habitation and Infrastructure

NASA is preparing for the next phase of human deep space flight. As such, much of the materials, structures, and subsystem will have to be built or assembled in space. Quantitative and qualitative inspection of these components and structures will be critical to ensure safe spaceflight. Additionally, NDE sensors will be used to determine the health of structures as they age in space. Specifically, the means to assess the structural health of Lunar habitats is a particular need. Inspection tools that provide the ability to confirm production quality of habitats and other infrastructure are needed to qualify and sustain these structures for as long as they are used. Nondestructive methods available for these tasks become limited due to the environments on interest (the Moon and Mars)—the best methodology for this is millimeter/micrometer wave electromagnetic (EM) inspections. These systems do not require an atmosphere to operate, can operate in adverse environments, can penetrate deeply into materials and identify defects, discontinuities, material changes, volatiles, etc. To address this, Texas Research Institute (TRI) Austin, Inc. and Iowa State University’s Center for Nondestructive Evaluation propose to develop an optimized micro/millimeter wave inspection system and analysis of concrete for creation of habitats and infrastructure on the Lunar surface, and in the future, Mars.

The process of constructing landing pads, habitats, and roads on the Moon and Mars will be different than common construction sites on Earth. These structures are a significant investment and are often safety critical structures which, if a failure occurs, would result in astronaut death. Sustainment of these structures must begin during manufacturing and must continue during habitation and/or use to ensure that natural events that may occur, such as moonquakes or micro-meteorite strikes, do not compromise these structures. 

Related applications include civil engineering such as inspecting FRP repairs to bridge decks and FRP wraps around concrete columns. In the petrochemical industry, the system could be used to image blockages, build-ups, and damage in fiberglass pipes, tanks, coated pipes, and pressure vessels.  Military applications include inspections for corrosion under paint, radomes, and radar performance.

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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