Design and fabrication of a microgravity capable sanitization unit

The goal of this project is to develop a microgravity-capable sanitization device to surface-sanitize vegetables; utensils; tools; and other small items aboard the ISS and future crewed missions of NASA.

The current methodology for sanitizing fresh grown crops aboard the ISS utilizes ProSan-soaked wipes which has been noted by crew members to be both labor intensive and tedious. Following this method; individual leaves are placed into Ziploc bags and pressed between two of the wipes. Being able to ensure that food products are safe for crew consumption in a timely manner without altering the flavor or quality would be a major benefit. Furthermore; excessive food preparation tasks and manual sanitizing has been reported to negatively impact the psychological appeal of having fresh crops; potentially diminishing the appetite for them. This project would design and fabricate a system that is able to effectively expose contained commodities to approved sanitizers with minimal crew involvement. This device would have the potential to functionally sanitize food products; utensils; tools; and other small items.

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.

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.