Multiparameter Fiber Optic Sensor Suite for Structures, Phase I

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for microspacecraft is a rapidly growing technology area for the use of fiber optics and MEMS. Morgan Research Corporation proposes an innovative system called a fiber optics sensor suite (FOSS) that combines the strain/damage detection capability of fiber with the temperature, acceleration, and shock determination of MEMS. The proposed research allows for optical fiber to be used as a distributed backbone-sensing member with nodes of environmental sensors placed at strategic locations along the structure. The optical fiber is able to sense damage and external or internal loads on the structure while MEMS nodes monitor the spacecraft?s surroundings. The optical fiber acts as a communication link between the nodes and to acquire and transmit data in a format not susceptible to EMI or environmental noise.

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.