Development History of the High-Performance Infrared Laser Sensor into NASA Architectures via the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Date

7/12/2021

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

50th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

Gas sensing in space is difficult. Current commercial off the shelf (COTS) devices are not qualified to measure multiple gas constituents in space platforms. Vista Photonics, Inc. (VPI) has taken lessons learned from several Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) awards and progressed their innovative technology to a point of infusing into a NASA flight program. Their development progression through the SBIR Program included Phase I, II, and III awards along with program matching-fund awards (Phase II-E and Commercialization Readiness Program). Development goals included increase sensing capability; ensure calibration and system stability were maintained; ensure valid sensor measurements; eliminate complexity, reduce power, volume, and cost; improve response time; and increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). The SBIR awards have resulted in several laser based gas sensing prototypes that were designed, built, tested, and delivered for NASA�s evaluation including an Advanced Space Suit Portable Life Support System (PLSS) gas sensor, an In-Flight Contingency Monitor and a Post-Landing Contingency Monitor. VPI leveraged lessons learned from the initial SBIR development of the Multi-Gas Monitor (MGM). The MGM was a technology demonstration onboard the International Space Station. This successful demonstration led NASA to consider the sensor technology as a potential candidate for the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit PLSS. The Orion Program has selected a derivative of VPI�s technology for its Anomaly Gas Analyzer to detect vehicle combustion products. This paper articulates the technology development progression of VPI�s gas sensor through the SBIR Program to increase the TRL and technically infuse into the Orion architecture for gas sensing.

Description

Cinda Chullen, NASA
Carly Meginnis, NASA
John Graf, NASA
Paul Mudgett, NASA
Mary Coan Skow, NASA
Matthew Vogel, Jacobs Engineering JETS Contract
ICES402: Extravehicular Activity: PLSS Systems
The 50th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held virtually on 12 July 2021 through 14 July 2021.

Keywords

gas sensor, Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit, space suit, Portable Life Support System (PLSS), Technology Readiness Level (TRL), In-Flight Contingency Monitor, Post-Landing Contingency Monitor, Multi-Gas Monitor (MGM), Anomaly Gas Analyzer

Citation