Distributed compact plasma reactor sterilization for Planetary protection and contamination control for space missions

With the advent of advanced materials and electronics highly sensitive to currently approved sterilization technologies by the NASA, there is a need for alternative technologies. Research performed during SurfPlasmas Phase II project has led to the development of a plasma-based sterilization system, called the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS), that is capable of sterilizing a large variety of pathogens for multiple common material types. Potential applications include sterilization of spacecraft components, ground-based contamination control that can withstand testing operations, and in-flight cross-contamination control. Advances in the APS system are necessary to increase system reliability for both ground-usage and potential space usage. Continued development and manufacturing of the technology will enhance mission integration capabilities as well as increase confidence in plasma-related technologies, including but not limited to the APS system. The main goal of the Phase II-E project is to manufacture, test, and increase the TRL of SurfPlasmas APS system for adhering to NASA sterilization needs on both ground station usage and space usage. The goals of this proposal are split into two paths. Goals relevant to continued APS research include determining the sterilization capability for (1) microorganisms associated with spacecraft subsystems and (2) mission relevant materials.Goals relevant to manufacturing and testing of the APS systeminclude (3) analyzing the current design and needed redesigns for (4) low-rate manufacturing and (5) testing in a low-gravity environment. The proposed deliverables include a manufactured APS system and specifications, including but not limited to technical specs, compatible materials and pathogens.

Potential NASA applications of the lightweight, portable Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) include safe, effective, and non-thermal sterilization of tools and equipment for contamination control. The APS is suitable for decontamination on ground facilities or on space missions, on the Moon or Mars. The APS will be useful for sensitive tools and equipment that would otherwise be damaged by existing decontamination systems using high temperature (DHMR) and harsh chemicals (VHP); and for equipment with hidden surfaces where UV light would not work. Non-NASA applications of the APS includes (a) medical device manufacturing industry, (b) hospitals and clinics and (c) food and beverage industry. The APS addresses the broad medical and societal need for a superior safety, fast, non-thermal, convenient, user-friendly, and cost-effective decontamination solution for preventing pathogen spread and reducing HAIs hospital acquired infections.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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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