Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Real-Time Formaldehyde Monitor for the ISS, Phase I
Project Introduction
Ensuring a safe air environment in manned spacecraft is critical to the success of all missions. Exposure to hazardous chemical species threatens the well-being of the crew and prevents them from fulfilling their tasks. While a wide variety of sensors currently are available to monitor such chemicals on the ISS, some of these sensors are inadequate. In particular for one important species, formaldehyde, Southwest Sciences proposes to develop a sensor that can provide continuous, real-time monitoring of this gas, so as to assure that the crew is better protected.
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Anticipated Benefits
Successful development of a real-time formaldehyde monitor will allow NASA to replace the currently used badge system that provides only a quick monthly snapshot of formaldehyde concentrations in the International Space Station, with a continuous monitor having real-time readout. The same gas sensing platform also could be adapted for meeting the needs for a multi-gas sensor for monitoring cabin air, gas regeneration, and life support systems. The compact size and low power usage permit ready adaptation to other platforms (e.g. aircraft, balloons, UAVs, ground-based networks, etc.) of interest to NASA. Since our monitor is designed for long-term operation with minimal attention and maintenance, it is expected to find use in validation of remote data sensing obtained from planned NASA atmospheric research missions. The platform used for monitoring formaldehyde could readily be adapted to measure other gases, including those related to combustion and fire safety, health monitoring, climate change research, and industrial process monitoring.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Sciences, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
New Mexico
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Southwest Sciences, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: May 2013
End: Nov 2013
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 4 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX06 Human Health, Life Support, and Habitation Systems
- TX06.4 Environmental Monitoring, Safety, and Emergency Response
- TX06.4.1 Sensors: Air, Water, Microbial, and Acoustic
Target Destination
Earth
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