In-Flight Non-Invasive Sensing of Blood Analytes

NASA has a serious unmet need for miniature biologic sensors capable of on orbit sample analysis and in situ, real time analysis of astronaut health. We propose an alternative way to monitor the health or illness of the crew members that would provide continuous monitoring of blood analytes. This information can be transmitted back to ground control in real time. The method could bypass the need to preserve biological specimens. This novel multivariate system would measure the optical rotation of laser polarized light reflected from human skin as well as scattering and absorption characteristics directly related to the concentration of certain blood analytes that reliably indicate the state of health of the individual.