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Novel Instrumentation for Lunar Regolith Oxygen Production Facilities
Completed
TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
Description
The objective of the Phase I is to develop, demonstrate and test novel instrumentation based on ultrasensitive laser absorption spectroscopy for sensitive real-time measurements of several important parameters for monitoring and control of oxygen production facilities and for analyses of lunar surface resources. The instrumentation will provide measurements of multiple trace gases and impurities on the lunar surface with a speed, accuracy and sensitivity not possible with current instrumentation.
Benefits
Instrumentation for sensitive and accurate measurements of trace gases and impurities for industrial process monitoring and control.
Instrumentation for rapid, sensitive chemical analysis of several gaseous species will enable NASA scientists and engineers to monitor the quality and quantity of oxygen production in real time and to analyze the impurities generated during processing of lunar regoliths.
Details
| Technology area | Exploration Destination Systems > In Situ Resource Use > Destination Resource Exploration |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Los Gatos Research, Mountain View, CA |
| Start date | 2010-01-29 |
| End date | 2010-07-29 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
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.
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