Lunar Materials Analyzer (LuMA) (LuMA)

Optimizing lunar regolith ISRU and construction processes requires the knowledge of the raw materials composition. We propose to develop a Lunar Materials Analyzer (LuMA) which primary functions are to monitor the mineral phase composition and the elemental composition of a lunar regolith feedstock of ISRU or construction processes. LuMA uses X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), two analytical techniques that are well proven and have already been developed for in-situ planetary science. This SBIR will 1) adapt proven planetary science instrument technologies to the constraints and requirements of in-line analysis, 2) develop a robust robotic sample handling system for maintenance-free operation on the surface of the moon over periods exceeding one year, 3) automate XRD and XRF data interpretation, 4) investigate additional analytical capabilities for measurements such as regolith softening and melting points, and/or the viscosity of a melt. The Phase I research will focus on concept refinement and demonstration of feasibility, with a particular focus on the XRD instrument geometry and XRD sample configuration, and XRF optimization. The work will be approached via simulations and experimentation with existing prototypes modified to test new layouts. Foreseen NASA markets are future ISRU applications, missions intended to identify/quantify resources, and robotic or astronaut-operated instruments for in-situ science. Commercial markets are automated applications of XRD and/or XRF for in-line monitoring of raw materials or products, in industries such as cement, mining, petroleum, pharma, food, etc.

NASA, as well as the private sector involved in future ISRU activities, will provide the first direct market for LuMA, with flight systems intended for the monitoring of ISRU feedstock. Evaluation of the market size is difficult with ISRU being at a burgeoning phase. Prior to the implementation of ISRU processes on the Moon, exploration efforts could also provide market opportunities for the LuMA system instrumenting missions intended to identify resources rather than exploiting them. Derivative NASA opportunities would be robotic or astronaut-operated instruments for in-situ science, if concepts developed under this SBIR offer particular benefits over current technologies for planetary science. eXaminart commercializes a small line of products for XRD and XRF analysis. All instruments are manually operated. The development of LuMA will open doors to automated application of XRD and/or XRF, either for analyzing series of samples, or like the LuMA application, for in-line monitoring of raw materials or products. An example is the cement industry, which has already adopted in-line XRD and XRF for process control using FCT instruments. LuMA has the potential to result in competitive products with smaller size and lower cost. Many other industries could benefit from the capabilities of LuMA: mining, petroleum, pharma, food, etc.

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.