Distributed compact plasma reactor sterilization for Planetary protection and contamination control for space missions

SurfPlasma aims to develop a safe, smart, portable, non-thermal, and energy efficient sterilization system, the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APSTM), with inbuilt ozone mixing and rapid ozone removal arrangement. Potential NASA applications include sterilization of heat-sensitive spacecraft components, ground-based contamination control and in-flight cross-contamination control. The approach is to employ dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using a proprietary miniature reactor, called Compact Portable Plasma Reactors (CPPR), for efficient decontamination. CPPRs are compact, lightweight and energy efficient, with the unique ability to both generate and distribute ozone. In Phase I, we have demonstrated that the APS prototype V0 can achieve 4 to 5 log reductions of pathogenic bacteria on 4 NASA relevant materials, simultaneously at 11 locations distributed inside the APS within 30 minutes using 13.2 W total power consumption. Also, successful ozone penetration for complex fabric layers was established; a catalyst was selected for complete ozone decomposition; and SEM analyses showed no significant degradation of the 4 tested materials during APS operation. Importantly, a strong commercialization interest was identified from investor, manufacturer, distributor, and field test partners. In Phase II, product technical objectives will aim at advancing the APS prototype for (a) building prototype V1 (smart system) with integrated surface detection, temperature and humidity sensors, ozone decomposition module, control panel and display, (b) performing additional sterilization tests based on the Biological Challenge List by NASA-JPL and (c) obtaining material compatibility data sheet for the APS. Deliverables include detailed analysis and a prototype for NASA testing. In parallel to R&D efforts, SurfPlasma will work with a commercialization team of industry experts with established investing, manufacturing, distributing and field test experience during Phase II and beyond. More »