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CC22 Rid the Rocket Challenge: Phase 1 Ideation
Completed
Description
Detection of Hydrazine/MMH has several challenges. Detection methods may require a high-power source, electrochemical sensor, or long recovery times. Electrochemical sensors contain an electrolyte in the cell susceptible to failure under harsh conditions. Thus, an alternative sample method via colorimetric detection is proposed.
The Rid the Rocket Challenge invites individuals, teams, and organizations to submit solutions for innovative ways to build a new chemical detection method that can be used by astronauts following space flight. The detection of Hydrazine/MMH is a critical safety procedure in space flight. It?s expected that this challenge yield, qualified solutions that will be tested at the NASA White Sands facility.
Benefits
Concept paper detailing the participant's solution in great detail. Participants submitted innovative ideas for the detection of hydrazine and MMH.
Incrementally Advanced Towards a Solution
Planned for future implementation
Technical Solution
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments |
| Program | Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing (PCC) |
| Lead organization | White Sands Test Facility, Las Cruces, NM |
| Start date | 2022-09-15 |
| End date | 2023-05-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.
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.