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Completed TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 5)
Millions of naturally occurring objects (micrometeoroids) and made-made debris can be encountered during a space mission. NASA has identified potential damage from micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) impacts as a primary threat to Commercial Crew Program vehicles. The International Space Station (ISS) and extraterrestrial habitats also exhibit the risk of damage caused by MMODs.
Safety of the crew has always been a significant concern for NASA. Currently, no integrated in-situ or real-time health monitoring damage detection system is being used for expandable and inflatable structures. The Modular Damage Detection System (MDDS) expands on previously demonstrated and NASA-patented Flat Surface Damage Detection System (FSDDS) and Flexible Damage Detection System (Flex-DDS) capabilities and technologies. MDDS incorporates interchangeable and replaceable sensory panels in a foldable architecture. The sensory system is an intelligent damage detection “skin” that could be embedded into or added to structures, providing a lightweight in-situ health monitoring capability for space or aircraft vehicles, and for expandable, deployable structures. The design implements technologies that provide for situational awareness, self-configuration, and damage detection and localization. MDDS has application for the new Gateway and surface and ground support infrastructure.
In FY18/19, the MDDS Independent Research and Technology Development (IR&TD) funded project met its objectives. The team successfully designed and fabricated a modular, interchangeable, tile-like Sensory Panel system. In addition, a flexible and expandable architecture was developed that supports one or more of these Sensory Panels. Algorithms that provide for situational awareness, self-configuration, and damage detection were developed. An iPad application (app) was created for users to interact, control, and monitor the system wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. Four foldable architectural approaches were conceptualized for use in inflatable and expandable applications. A new technology report and technical conference paper were authored. Additional engineering documentation, such as a concept of operations, an interface control document, and electrical schematic and drawings, were generated.
MDDS incorporates interchangeable and replaceable sensory panels in a foldable architecture. The sensory system is an intelligent damage detection “skin” that could be embedded into or added to structures, providing a lightweight in-situ health monitoring capability for space or aircraft vehicles, and for expandable, deployable structures. The design implements technologies that provide for situational awareness, self-configuration, and damage detection and localization.
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