Collaborative Robot Enabled Active Microwave Thermography Nondestructive Evaluation Prototype

Inspection systems are required to safely manufacture components in space, including regolith-based components. NASA is preparing for the next phase of human deep spaceflight which requires much of the materials, structures, and subsystems to be built/assembled in space. Quantitative and qualitative inspection of these components/structures is critical. Additionally, NDE sensors will be used to determine the health of structures as they age in space and for assessing structural health of lunar habitats. Multi-functional NDE tools are highly valued. The Moon-to-Mars Planetary Autonomous Construction Technology (MMPACT) project addresses the Lunar surface construction thrust area of the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative with a goal to develop, deliver, and demonstrate on-demand capabilities to protect astronauts and create infrastructure on the Lunar surface via construction of landing pads, habitats, shelters, roadways, berms, and blast shields using Lunar regolith-based materials. MMPACT is comprised of three interrelated elements: construction hardware and process development, feedstock materials development, and structure construction capabilities. In this Phase II effort, Texas Research Institute Austin and the Missouri University of Science and Technology will build on their highly successful Phase I demonstrations to produce an active microwave thermography (AMT) system capable of inspecting regolith-based materials in space and acting as an in-space capable multi-functional NDE tool, supporting these NASA goals. The prototype system will be fabricated and delivered software set for easy operation and with a collaborative robot to enable mobile and flexible operations for this powerful inspection tool.

Active microwave thermography is a multi-functional nondestructive evaluation tool: there are many mission options, both for in-space/on-Earth use. Immediate insertion would be associated with the MMPACT missions, but due to its versatility, it can impact many areas including, but not limited to: heat shield inspection, composite inspection, on-Earth concrete inspection, and many others. Per TRI Austin’s Phase II proposal, commercialization focuses on active microwave thermography (AMT) and enabling technology (collaborative robotics – Co-bots). AMT is a unique inspection capability and can be commercialized via partners (NDTSolutions). Co-bot enabled NDE will greatly enhance inspection flexibility/capability and will be developed and commercialized as its own technology area.

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.

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