Pressure Sensors for Glenn Extreme Environment Rig and Planetary Science Applications

In-situ instrumentation is needed that can withstand the harsh environments imposed by planetary atmospheres in order to make advancements in solar system exploration. Technologies that can withstand the corrosive/caustic gases, radiation levels, stresses, and high temperatures and pressures, while still producing reliable, real-time data are a major facilitator for planetary missions. To address this need, Sporian is developing a harsh environment pressure sensor targeted toward the Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER) and future Venus probe spacecraft. The proposed technology will be beneficial to NASA’s planetary science mission by facilitating, environmental chamber testing/validation, and pressure measurements in the Venus atmosphere and on the surface. The Phase I effort will focus on heavily leveraging prior harsh environment, in-situ instrumentation development and, with input from current/prior NASA partners, construct, test, and characterize prototype sensor suites. If successful, Sporian will be well prepared for Phase II efforts focused on producing full demonstration units for application-relevant testing and addressing integration strategies.