Harsh Environment Gas Sensor Array for Venus Atmospheric Measurements

Makel Engineering and the Ohio State University propose to develop a harsh environment tolerant gas sensor array for atmospheric analysis in future Venus missions. The proposed instrument will be very compact, require low power, and ruggedly packaged to be compatible with a drop sonde payload from a balloon for atmospheric composition analysis and/or for use on Venus surface lander or surface weather station. The goal is to provide information on local SOx CO, O2, NOx, H2, OCS, HF, HCl, and water vapor concentrations in order to complement other measurement systems that were targeted in the 2009 Venus Flagship Mission Study such as a GC-MS, nephelometer, or camera/optical detectors. Phase II will fabricate and test probe designs based on sensors tested in Phase I. Complete sensor array including high temperature capable electronics (250 to 300 C) will be tested at the NASA Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER) to provide simulation of the Venus atmosphere at different conditions.

This technology has military and commercial applications as well, which fits well with NASA's mission for the promotion of advanced technology for civil aviation. This technology will also apply to in-situ measurement capabilities for coal power plants, industrial burners, boilers, gas turbines, and other engines. The technology also fits well with NASA interest in developing system for early fire detection and environmental monitoring of spacecraft.

This proposal targets complementary technology development to enhancement measurement systems that were targeted in the 2009 Venus Flagship Mission Study such as a GC-MS, nephelometers, or cameras/optical detectors. Significant development of the baseline instrumentation (GC/mass spectrometers) will be needed to meet the specifications for the 2021 mission. The proposed array of miniaturized, robust, high temperature (600-800 C) solid electrolyte chemical sensors can significantly augment decent phase data and provide useful instrumentation options during mission development. Similar sensors can be developed for other planetary studies with potentially harsh atmospheres. This class of sensors has been developed by MEI and OSU in cooperation with NASA and directed primarily towards engine exhaust measurements for enhanced flight measurement capabilities for future use in engine control and IVHM

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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