Versatile Wireless Data Net, Phase I

The proposed R&D is to develop a wireless data networking capability. A prototype capability will result from the Phase 1 and 2 contracts. The Versatile Wireless Data Net (VWDN) employs an 802.11x wireless protocol for a network of sensor, recording, and monitoring nodes. The concept combines extensive computational capability with a family of transducers in self-contained packages with an electrical and environmental immunity. Plug-in transducers include microphones, extensometers, toxic gas, pressure sensors, explosive gas, strain gauges (both resistance and fiber-optical), load cells, electromagnetic flux, pyrometers, and accelerometers; many will be MEMS devices. The net enables coordinated, efficient transmission of measurement signals; self test metrics, and environmental metrics to a recording computer. This computer also performs data display and network control for operator intervention to set network functional priorities and implement appropriate responses to monitoring trouble messages. An existing ABT wireless nodal prototype and workstation computer will be used as the basis for the developing the full network capability, that will primarily use commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) MEMS transducers. After the concept is sufficiently defined, Phase 1 tasks will include a simulation to demonstrate proof of concept.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.