Fiber Optic Sensing System for Entry Descent and Landing

The proposed effort will establish technical feasibility of a high-performance size-, weight-, and power-optimized distributed fiber-optic sensing platform appropriate for deep spaceflight missions and amenable to harsh launch, entry, descent, and landing environments. Custom and commercial off-the-shelf sensors and sensor arrangements appropriate for multi-parameter sensing in thermal protection systems of interplanetary landers will be investigated. The proposed technology is applicable to both rigid and flexible thermal protection systems.

The proposed technology enables acquisition of real-time, in-flight temperature, pressure, and strain data related to structural dynamics analysis and health monitoring of flight and spaceflight vehicles. The technology can be applied to components, structures, and aerodynamic surfaces, both rigid and flexible.

Non-NASA commercial applications of the technology include renewable wind energy, commercial aerospace & aviation, oil & gas, automotive, nuclear energy, and perimeter security.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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