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De-Coupled 10Boron Enriched 10B4C/SiC Diaphragm Sensor Concept for Nuclear Reactors

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Description

Develop radiation/temperature hardened, miniaturized, and integrated pressure/temperature sensors which are compact, autonomous, and operate reliably without maintenance for several years for nuclear power systems.

Benefits

Fission Instrumentation Workshop outcome (8/20/24) concluded that sensor technologies to support such FSP system currently do not exist. Sensor will support sustainable power to enable continuous Lunar and Mars surface Fission Surface Power (FSP) system operation:​ radiation/high-temperature hardness results in long term reliable operation; compactness fits within the compact reactor; lightweight eliminates weight penalty. ​ Benefit to society-technology transfer to the nuclear reactor industry.​

Details

Technology areaAerospace Power and Energy Storage > Power Management and Distribution > Management and Control
ProgramCenter Innovation Fund: GRC CIF (GRC CIF)
Lead organizationGlenn Research Center, Cleveland, OH
Start date2025-10-01
End date2026-09-30

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How to get involved

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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