Highly Sensitive, Specific, and Low Maintenance Detector for Hypergolic Chemical Leak

This Phase I project addresses the development of a device for detecting hypergolic rocket fuels and oxidizers. The key motivation for this project is to develop a system that can operate for ten years with very low-to-no maintenance, and make measurements from -46 deg C to +71 deg C with response time on the order of a minute. The cost savings realized by the Ballistic Missile Defense System and other DOD components would be significant when this technology is utilized. The device can be flush mounted on a missile canister, and measurements would be made for possible leak at all times prior to the launch of the missile including during transportation and storage. In Phase I, a working model would be developed. The specificity and sensitivity of the system would be demonstrated by detecting 0.1 parts per million of monomethyl hydrazine. An actual prototype detecting additional chemicals will be field-demonstrated in Phase II. A highly skilled engineering staff with a cumulative 70 person-years of optical sensor development expertise has been assembled for this project.