In-situ, Robust, Low Size, Weight, and Power Trace-gas Detector

In response to the NASA Science Mission Directorate's need for advanced in-situ technologies to detect organic molecules and trace gases on planetary surfaces, Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS) proposes to develop a multi-wavelength infrared cavity ring-down spectrometer (IR-CRDS) designed to enhance the detection and identification of targets of interest. This technology addresses critical needs outlined in the Planetary Decadal Survey and the Artemis III Science Definition Team Report, specifically for detecting organic compounds and trace gases in extreme environments such as on Europa, Enceladus, and Titan. Phase I of the project will focus on verifying the feasibility of the proposed IR-CRDS system by demonstrating its ability to detect targets of interests with high sensitivity, resolution, and specificity. The system will leverage a multi-wavelength light source combined with a cavity ring-down technique, enabling highly accurate and rapid analysis with minimal mass, power, and volume requirements, crucial for small spacecraft and missions to distant planetary bodies. In Phase II, we will enhance the system's robustness and improve its survivability under high-G forces, making it suitable for deployment on impactors to planetary surfaces. Efforts will focus on ensuring the system can withstand the harsh conditions of space, including radiation, temperature extremes, and launch stresses. By improving the design and integrating advanced materials and technologies, we aim to deliver a highly resilient, low-cost, and compact instrument capable of conducting in-situ scientific measurements for planetary exploration. This novel IR-CRDS technology has the potential to enable a new class of scientific discovery and numerous commercial applications in environmental monitoring and chemical analysis. Its versatility and robustness make it valuable for both space exploration and terrestrial applications, including industrial and research sectors.

The proposed technology has significant potential for NASA commercial applications due to its high sensitivity, precision, and ability to detect trace levels of target gases. For example, the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) program provides geostationary observations of air quality over North America. This technology could support ground-based or airborne validation of its measurements by detecting pollutants like methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide with high precision. Additionally, the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport – America (ACT-America) program conducts five airborne campaigns across three regions in the eastern United States to study the transport of atmospheric carbon. Our technology could be integrated into these airborne campaigns to enhance trace-gas detection, supporting both remote sensing and in-situ measurements for atmospheric composition analysis. These examples highlight how the proposed project can contribute to a wide range of NASA’s atmospheric, planetary, and Earth science missions. Its ease of use, precision, cost-effectiveness, and ability to function in challenging environments makes it ideal for such applications. The proposed technology has broad applications beyond NASA, including use by border protection agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for detecting illicit narcotics and large amounts of currency. Its high sensitivity and precision make it suitable for identifying trace chemical signatures of narcotics (e.g., fentanyl), currency residues, and other contraband in vehicles, cargo, or personal belongings. This technology could be adapted into handheld chemical analyzers to enhance interdiction efforts at ports of entry. The Department of Energy (DOE) could also utilize this technology to detect leaks in energy infrastructure, such as natural gas pipelines. In the commercial aerospace industry, this novel technology could enhance fuel efficiency and safety by detecting trace level impurities in propulsion systems and monitoring cabin air quality. A broader application exists in the automobile manufacturing and maintenance sector, ensuring compliance with emissions standards and smog regulations, making it a valuable tool for manufacturers and licensed smog check facilities.

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.