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Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
The concept of measuring skin carotenoids in humans using a Raman spectrometer designed for planetary exploration will be evaluated in a pilot study with volunteer test subjects. The study will document the relationship between skin, serum, and dietary carotenoids, an indicator of fruit and vegetable consumption. While Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive technique with many applications, this dual-use of JPL robotic mission hardware could provide a valuable tool for exploration-class missions, where crew autonomy will be required. The next step for this project would be a flight demonstartion on iSS to ocument utility in the microgravity environment.
The goal of this project is to develop a method to assess nutritional status using existing miniaturized Raman spectrometer technology designed for planetary exploration. By allowing crewmembers to assess their own nutritional status during a mission, this can provide self-motivation and crew autonomy to improve dietary intake, which can be beneficial for all aspects of human health including mitigating risks associated with radiation exposure during exploration missions. By allowing crewmembers to assess their own nutritional status during a mission through non-invasive means with immediate results, crewmembers can benefit from self-motivation to improve dietary intake, which can be beneficial for all aspects of human health including mitigating risks associated with radiation exposure during exploration missions. Ultimately, developing a spectrometer that can be used for multiple purposes will help accelerate human lunar exploration missions by promoting crew autonomy and enhancing crew health and safety while exploring minerals, rocks, and signs of life on the moon or planetary surfaces.
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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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