3-D Printed Multifunctional Sensor Platform for Space Applications

Abstract

Nanomaterials offer a unique set of advantages as sensors for space applications. For instance, one and two dimensional materials such as carbon nanotube, graphene and molybdenum disulfide have high surface-to-volume ratio and superior electrical properties, resulting in highly sensitive environmental sensors. In addition, great mechanical, thermal, and electrical stability, as well as radiation hardness due to minute cross-sectional area, make them useful in space applications. Furthermore, lightweight, low power consumption and small size make nanomaterial-based devices suitable for targeted space missions with limited resources. Nanomaterial-based environmental sensors can be used for the in situ detection of neutrals, trace gases, volatile organics and environmental parameters in a wide range of mission architectures, including atmospheric probes, plume flybys on icy or ocean worlds such as Enceladus or Europa, and landed missions. For example, the multifunctional sensor platform can detect trace gases that can fingerprint various biological and abiotic processes on outer planetary bodies. It can be used to simultaneously detect methane, ammonia and other gases difficult to detect using mass spectrometry due to mass interference issues, and thus can be used in tandem with mass spectrometers. In addition, such a platform can be used for quick screening of samples in sample return missions without adding significantly to the mass and power of the payload. Furthermore, Human exploration missions can benefit from these highly sensitive sensors to detect leaks of toxic gases that are commonly onboard such as hydrazine, ensuring human safety and mission success. This talk will discuss the development of the multifunctional sensor platform with a suite of environmental nanosensors fabricated with additive manufacturing techniques, the performance of the sensors and their applicability to space missions.