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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
The objective of this effort is to advance the TRL of spaceflight instrumentation capable of handling liquids and performing microscale organic chemical analysis on spaceflight missions to Europa.
We have developed to microfluidic systems to perform liquid-based analyses. The Chemical Laptop is a system for in situ organic analysis on extraterrestrial destinations with ultra-high sensitivity in a compact, low-mass, and low-power package. We have also developed a microfluidic flow injection analysis (µFIA) system combined with ion selective electrodes (ISE) within a miniaturized microfluidic manifold to pre-analyze the liquid extracts to determine their ionic composition.
This technology will allow liquid-based analysis for detection of organic and inorganic species. This instrumentation is relevant to future missions to Europa, Enceladus and other ocean worlds seeking signs of life.
Modified versions of this technology could be used by NOAA for chemical oceanography.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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