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Utilizing MEMS technology, we will be able to fabricate smaller sensors that are more apt to withstand the harsh environment of the re-entry process. Therefore, sensors can be reused if necessary. Material stability during descent would allow MARSA to accurately sense pressures. Moreover, MARSA can be reused for multiple re-entries just as SpaceX does with the Dragon Spacecraft’s heat-shield on SpaceX’s Dragon.
Development of MARSA will further Goddard’s MEMS capabilities and increase Goddard’s growing library of MEMS devices. For example, the sensors used for MARSA could be integrated for other microfluidic applications such as lab-on-a-chip analytical instruments. All microfluidic devices have a need to know what the pressures and temperatures are within the device.
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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.
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