Development of a Modular Plasma-Activated Fog System for Enhanced Planetary Protection and Contamination Control

AAPlasma LLC proposes the development of a Modular Plasma-Activated Fog System (MPAFS) to advance planetary protection and contamination control measures. This system leverages non-equilibrium plasma-activated fog to disinfect surfaces and equipment efficiently, addressing the significant challenges of spacecraft cleaning and in-situ decontamination. The project aims to mitigate undesired microbial, particulate, and molecular contamination, which is crucial for ensuring the integrity of NASA missions and compliance with planetary protection requirements. Phase I of this SBIR will support the prototype development of this innovative technology. Once fully developed by the conclusion of Phase II, the MPAFS promises to offer a versatile solution for decontamination, capable of being adapted to various applications and settings, thereby catering to both space and terrestrial needs. This technology, having demonstrated efficacy in reducing pathogens significantly without causing damage to sensitive equipment, stands to benefit multiple sectors by providing an effective, low-resource consumption method for preventing cross-contamination between sample collections during spacecraft missions.