Wireless Instrumentation for Sensing of Parachute Systems (WISPS)

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2) proposes to develop a battery-operated, low-power, compact wireless data-acquisition (DAQ) system specifically designed for instrumenting parachute systems during entry, descent, and landing (EDL). This system will enable model validation and identification of potential failure modes, while ensuring minimal impact on the parachute system being instrumented. The proposed system leverages a distributed wireless sensor network to address challenges associated with sensor installation, including technological, logistical, weight, and cost barriers. By utilizing wireless communication, the system simplifies installation and eliminates the risk of wires tangling with parachute suspension lines. Additionally, it allows for the deployment of more sensors by easing cable routing and weight constraints. Reducing cable routing requirements not only minimizes installation effort compared to current systems but also offers greater flexibility in sensor placement. While the primary target application is parachute system instrumentation, the system’s capabilities also support other applications requiring environmentally hardened, low-power, battery-operated, time-synchronized wireless instrumentation. Funding will be used to establish target specifications and requirements based on NASA input and design constraints, develop the concept and proposal for a system level deployment, develop the conceptual design for a prototype system, build a functional prototype, and characterize the results.