← Back to NASA Technology Projects

Optical Fiber-based Coriolis Flowmeter (OFCF)

Active TRL 3 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

It is imperative to have an accurate, reliable method to measure cryogenic fluid transfer for in-space and on-surface application.  This problem has been continuously been ranked highly under NASA STMD’s shortfall.  It is well known that Coriolis-based flowmeter is the most accurate mass-flowmeter, but with drawback being needing heavy and bulky stainless steel enclosure for EMI shielding due to it relied on magnetic sensing.  Optical fiber-based Coriolis Flowmeter (OFCF) technology explores using fiber optics sensors to replace the magnetic sensors, therefore eliminating the need of EMI shielding.

Benefits

By using optical fiber-based sensors instead of magnetic sensors, EMI shielding from traditional Coriolis flowmeter could be eliminate, which helps reaching the low SWaP (size weight and power) requirement for in-space and on-surface deployment application.

Details

Technology areaThermal Management Systems > Cryogenic Systems > In-Space Propellant Storage and Use
ProgramTechnology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organizationArmstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date2026-01-01
End date2027-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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.