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Active TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 9)
The Mars Campaign Office (MCO) Life Support Systems project Environmental Monitoring (EM) systems task objectives are to develop and demonstrate onboard monitoring, detection, and analysis capabilities that will replace the state-of-the-art (SOA) need to frequently returning water samples to Earth for ground-based laboratory analysis. This effort is addressing these challenges by adopting new analytical technologies and techniques that will allow for a modular EM system
architecture that integrates sensing modalities to address the monitoring needs of future deep-space exploration missions.
Mini Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (MiniTOCA) - Develop a smaller version of Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA). Reduce the mass, volume and consumable shelf life and maintain functionality to determine water portability for both crew drinking water and (Extra Vehicular Activity) EVA. A novel UV technology and tunable laser spectrometer was developed for CO2 detection.
Novel Core technologies allow for the reduction of consumable mass as well as overall system mass power and volume.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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