Intelligent Wireless Fiber Optic Sensor (iWiSe) Network System

Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI), proposes to design, build, bench and fly test, and deliver to NASA an innovative light weight, small-form-factor, ultra-low power, readily reconfigure intelligent wireless fiber optic sensor (iWiSe™) network system suitable for the remote monitoring of multi-dimensional sensing events – strain, temperature, heat-flow, pressure, vibration, acoustics, ultrasound, etc. – measured by a global network of wireless and self-powered iWiSe™ sensing nodes used to interrogate embedded or surface mounted FBG sensors suitable for operation within the extreme environmental conditions and hard to reach inaccessible locations of large space vehicle rocket propulsion systems. In the Phase I program, ROI will develop a laboratory bench top prototype of the Self-Power Intelligent Wireless iWiSe™ sensor network system to demonstrate its capability to measure static and dynamic sensor data using an iWiSe sensing node interrogating a distributed array of multi-dimensional FBG sensing elements positioned within hard to reach and poorly accessible areas of a space vehicle, and to wirelessly transmit the sensor status data to a remote iWiSe™ data logger receiver/gateway connected via wireless/Ethernet network for global access to NASA’s system condition users (operators, customers, management, etc.). In Phase II of ROI will complete the engineering development, produce, extensively laboratory test, environmentally qualify on a relevant rocket space vehicle-like platform, and deliver to NASA a light weight, space-ready, self-power, intelligent wireless WiSe™ sensor network SHM system.

All of NASA's current and future space vehicle programs will benefit significantly from this project, wherein the key technological challenge is to develop methodologies for high fidelity monitoring and characterization of load, stress, strain, flaws, fatigue, and degradation in complex built-up structures.

ROI’s compact, non-intrusive, and cost efficient WiSe™ system is poised to revolutionize the field of wireless fiber optic sensor structural health monitors for aerospace and aircraft applications and to gain a rapid acceptance into the wireless sensor network market, a rapidly emerging, fast-growing, worldwide market valued at over $90 billion by 2023.

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.

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.