SHM Edge Computing Test Bed for Expediting Technology Transition

“Edge nodes” that collect sensor data and perform analysis at the point of acquisition are a key to enabling real-time health monitoring of space vehicles and systems with minimal additional data transmission and flight computer workload. This proposal is for development of a modular, customizable edge node test bed to aid in transitioning lab-based sensing methods to space-based applications. A demonstration using ultrasonic data will demonstrate acquisition, preprocessing, and event classification in real-time under similar processing and power constraints required in flight applications. The design will be such that it will be expandable to other modalities in the future through an open software design and modular hardware setup.

The SHM Edge Node Test Bed will reduce the bottleneck between technique development and in-space application. It allows development and maturation of SHM technologies on relevant hardware, and provides a test bed for rapidly evaluating techniques to keep up with a variety of mission needs.

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.

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.