WATCH: Wearable Astronaut Tribocharge Hazard monitor

The WATCH (Wearable Astronaut Tribocharge Hazard monitor) project will develop and demonstrate a compact sensor system to detect and warn astronauts of lunar tribocharging hazards in real time. This technology directly supports Artemis missions by mitigating risk associated with electrostatic discharge, meeting strategic SFA goals for human exploration safety. The proposed IRAD will perform a concept study to scope the requirements and baseline design of WATCH. With overguide funding, we will aim to produce a wearable laboratory pathfinder of the sensor element, positioning GSFC for subsequent prototype developments and opportunities. NOTE: At the request of Georgia De Nolfo, we have scoped the budget at 50%, 75%, 100%, and 150%. The budget figures listed here are for the 150% effort level.

Wearable electric field sensor system for astronaut tribocharging safety monitoring; Human-portable technology for assessing EVA suit electrostatic discharge hazards; Advances from TRL 2 to TRL 3 with laboratory breadboard demonstration

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.