An Intelligent and Wireless Communication Enabled Plasma Probe for Full Scale Rocket Testing

The development of rocket propulsion systems requires rigorous testing. Technology with low-technology readiness levels (TRL) can be proven in small scaled down experiments. However, components and systems with higher-TRLs must be tested at full-scale conditions. These full-scale tests usually require numerous non-homogenous sensors and instrumentation meticulously placed over large distances that are robust to harsh and adverse environmental conditions (e.g., high-temperature and pressure). Data must be efficiently transmitted and shared to ensure successful testing.nbsp;To address this need, Spectral Energies (SE) in collaboration with its academic partners are proposing to develop its plasma sensor into a robust, standalone sensor package that can be placed in a testing site and transmit data, sensor health information, etc. to a central location with minimal human involvement. This will take advantage of SErsquo;s existing plasma sensor technology which has been successfully used to measure pressure and velocity in harsh environments such as a jet engine, hypersonic wind tunnel, rotation detonation engine, sounding rocket, etc. Remote transmission capability will be incorporated and the electronics and control circuits will be modified for high-temperature application.nbsp;During Phase I, the team will develop the sensor for high-enthalpy wake measrument. Remote sensing technology that can be integrated into the sensor package will be explored. Phase II will see the incorporation of the sensor and remote sensing transmission technology into a robust package. At the end of Phase II, a demonstration of the sensor package will be performed in a harsh environment. Ultimately this will provide NASA (and the ground testing community) with capability to efficiently perform large scale ground testing.