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Canceled TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 6)
Project Objective
Use the MiniChamber as a validation method to confirm operability of gas sensors for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen by testing them at sub-ambient pressures under varying gas concentrations.
Project Description
The long-term goal of this project was to validate the use of the MiniChamber as a method for testing the operability of gas sensors for carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and oxygen by testing them at sub-ambient pressures under varying gas concentrations. This method could be used to test other materials as well. The MiniChamber was set to operate at 8.2 - 10.4 psia and is capable of maintaining a vacuum pressure of 10-Torr. This is similar to the air pressure on Mars Surface. This would allow MSFC to test materials for exploration environments chambers and validate ECLSS hardware for Mars Surface, Mars Transit, and surface ECLSS systems.
Project Results and Conclusions
At the time of the project, it was assumed the MiniChamber development was completed in FY24. This did not occur, so most of FY25 was spent finishing the development of the MiniChamber. This was completed, but gas sensors were not tested due to time lost during the government shutdown.
The capability to identify gas monitors, electronics, and materials that would function in varying atmospheric compositions and pressures is invaluable to the future of manned space flight. This allows for validation of sensor functionality, material off-gassing, and electronic functionality as oxygen content and pressure in the cabin change.
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