Intelligent Sensor System for Rocket Propulsion Testing

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and Auburn University propose to complete development of a Smart Sensor Module (SSM) to enable wireless sensing capabilities in rocket propulsion systems. The SSM is an electronics interface designed to connect to trusted, flight-qualified, and commercially available sensors without altering the measurement technique. At each sensor location, the SSM serves as a node in a wireless mesh network, allowing each node to transmit and receive data while providing onboard computing for real time decision making. The SSM increases NASArsquo;s capabilities by eliminating labor-intensive tasks such as routing and securing cables, and will improve sensor accessibility in locations that are difficult to diagnose.nbsp;In Phase I, PSI created a workhorse SSM capable of wireless communication in a mesh network, while Auburnrsquo;s aggregation methods were used to integrate the PSI sensor network with a user friendly software interface. Multiple SSMs were built and demonstrated in a single wireless network, simultaneously transmitting pressure and temperature data to the gateway with synchronized time stamps.nbsp;In Phase II, the SSM hardware design will be advanced to the final SSM product size and weight, and the integrated network will be demonstrated on one of PSIrsquo;s rocket engine test stands. This program will result in a final product at the conclusion of the Phase II program, offering a low risk, near-term transition to NASA and commercial propulsion facilities.