Low Mass/Power Sensor Suite for Spacesuits

To provide additional telemetry and data for long-term mission, the composition of internal atmosphere of spacesuits must be determined. Specifically, the unambiguous detection and quantification of carbon dioxide is crucial for mission completion. Detection of other gasses (ammonia, oxygen) is also necessary for a complete sensor suite. Seacoast Science and Case Western Reserve University propose a sensor suite for the sensitive and selective detection of CO2 and other specified gasses. This will be accomplished using Seacoast?s proprietary sensor and the application of specially polymers developed in the laboratory of Professor Rigoberto Advincula. We will develop a microsensor array for atmospheric gases, specifically CO2 and NH3 (Phase I) and integrate it into a compact mission-ready sensor suite. In Phase I the feasibility of developing the proposed system will be demonstrated. In Phase II a further optimized system will be fabricated, tested and delivered to NASA for validation.

Successful development of the sensor suite for space suit will allow for better control of the internal atmospheric composition that future astronauts will breathe. For NASA this means better data for extended missions, which can aid researchers to develop an understanding of the requirements for the health and well-being of personnel. The technology may also be transferred to other NASA Mission Areas such as research into the composition of the upper atmosphere and the tracking of CO2 levels for global climate change research.

Non-NASA applications include detection of CO2 and NH2 for regulated breathing apparatus used in specialized occupations including firefighting, underwater operations (i.e. drilling, SCUBA). The detection and quantification of CO2 also has applications in agriculture and aquaculture. Governmental markets include DOD for the determination of atmospheric composition for advance submersibles/special operations forces and NOAA for detection of CO2 in research submersibles.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.