IoT-Inspired Wireless Sensor Networks for Ground and Flight Test Instrumentation

The development of rocket propulsion systems requires rigorous full-scale testing. These full-scale tests usually require numerous non-homogenous sensors and instrumentation meticulously placed over large distances. To address this need, Spectral Energies (SE) in collaboration with its academic partners propose to transform current sensor collections into intelligent sensor networks through the addition of wireless protocols, edge processing, adaptable firmware, and novel sensor diagnostics and optimization algorithms. The envisioned system is a plug-and-play sensor network in which sensor modules have in-built processing and wireless communications capabilities. Each sensor module will incorporate edge processing for sensor health monitoring, conversion to physical units, filtering, and anomaly detection. Sensor modules will form a mesh network with multi-hop communications capability, relaying their data (and that of other modules) to a central base station. A user interface on the central base station will allow users to easily add sensors, monitor outputs, reconfigure or recalibrate sensors, and optimize sensor placement given models of sensor output and/or prior test data. The proposed project will leverage recent developments in the Internet-of-Things (IoT) community to greatly improve the quality of data obtained from ground- and flight-test instrumentation systems while also reducing cost and time involved in sensor setup, calibration, and configuration. During Phase I, the team will develop initial hardware/software. A literature review will be performed and down selection will occur to ensure that the best practices are being incorporated into the wire sensor network. During Phase II, the full network will be designed, built, and tested. Eventually the network will be delivered to the NASA program manager.

Artemis Program: Provide efficient large scale testing capability needed to qualify technology for use on future space missions Other Programs: Other NASA programs can also benefit from the sensor network, e.g., full-scale engine testing (ARMD, CST, TACP) Commercial Space Launch: Companies like SpaceX, Blue Orign, etc. that require rocket testing may use sensor system to test their technology Aircraft Engines: Companies like GE, Rolls Royce, etc. may need to test their engines Hypersonics: Hypersonic testing also requires robust sensor networks

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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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