Autonomous Real Time, Multi Species Monitoring System for In-line Commodity Purity Analysis

In NASA and commercial aerospace processes involving hydrogen, oxygen, methane, air, nitrogen, and helium, real-time in-line analysis of gas purity is critical for ensuring product quality, process efficiency, and compliance with stringent standards for mission success. Current standard methods like GC/MS require significant downtime, labor, and sample distribution to labs for analysis, struggle with real-time monitoring, and do not allow for sampling in the process stream. There is a need for innovative gas/fluid composition monitoring technologies capable of achieving real-time in-line analysis of hydrogen, oxygen, methane, air, nitrogen, and helium process streams, with a focus on detecting and quantifying impurities such as hydrocarbons, moisture, and total impurities per NASA purity standards. The long-term objective of the proposed effort is to leverage Sporian’s prior work on machine learning-enabled spectroscopy-based sensing systems to realize an intelligent, real-time, cost-effective process gas stream composition monitoring system focused on detecting and quantifying both composition and impurities per NASA purity standards. This initial effort will focus on methane process streams and their specific needs and technical requirements, as sensing contaminants in high-concentration methane gas traditionally presents many challenges for conventional in-line sensor types. Phase I efforts will include: 1) working with stakeholders to define system requirements; 2) evaluating revised hardware/electronics architectures and designs; and 3) proof of principle testing and demonstration using benchtop-scale prototype hardware. If successful, Sporian will be well-positioned for the Phase II efforts focused on full system prototyping and relevant environmental testing/demonstration. Work will be done through a collaboration between Sporian Microsystems and the University of Central Florida.

Successful development of this technology will lead to an analysis system able to provide real-time monitoring for commodity purity in propellant, transfer, ECLSS systems, and in situ commodity production systems and address current NASA-identified shortfalls. Such a technology would be useful for monitoring various processes, including but not limited to transfer systems that supply propellants to storage and run tanks for engine and propulsion systems, pressurants for propellant tanks across flight, launch, ground test, and surface systems, and the actuation and purging of propulsion systems and vehicle components. Additionally, it would support the management of gases for Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) in future surface and on-orbit habitats, as well as gases derived from In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) processes. The technology is relevant to the development of Moon-to-Mars architecture, particularly in liquid propulsion systems and verification testing. It aligns with STMD strategies, including goals to develop rapid, safe, and efficient space transportation (GO) and enable sustainable living and working farther from Earth (LIVE). Additionally, it supports the ESDMD-SOMD, the ASL, and ground test and support facilities at SSC and KSC. Furthermore, it contributes to advancements in cryogenic fluid management, launch support, propulsion system development, and ISRU elements. Beyond NASA, this technology is applicable to both NASA and the commercial aerospace industry as well as industries such as refining, petrochemical production, gas processing, and semiconductor manufacturing, where precise gas purity analysis is crucial for process optimization and product quality assurance.

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.