Micromachined High-Temperature Sensors for Planet Exploration

In phase I of the SBIR program, LEEOAT Company will develop, simulate, fabricate and test high-temperature piezoelectric miniature sensors (up to 800oC), for physical and geophysical measurements of pressure, force, acceleration and vibration on the surface of Venus and other planets. LEEOAT Company efforts will be focused on achieving high figure-of-merit sensors, that can in the long term reliably operate on the surface of Venus. Additionally, we will innovate the technology for the readout and communication of the measured data at shielded relay stations with intermediate temperatures.

The development of the cost-effective high-temperature sensors, for physical and geophysical measurements on Venus surface harsh environment, will open a wide window of commercial opportunity in civilian aviation and automotive diagnostic applications, by embedding the sensors into the harsh environment of engine and turbines, for on-line health management.

The development of the miniature high-temperature piezoelectric sensors, will allow reliable physical and geophysical measurements, at harsher conditions on earth and in space, to open a wide window of commercial opportunity for NASA missions to other planets. Additionally, the innovation will promote maintenance and safety applications related to mission ready, like on-line nondestructive inspection inside engines, as well as quality control during manufacturing of special space components.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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.