(98b) Microfabricated Sensors and Nanomaterials for Improved Hypergolic Chemical Detection in Missile Canisters

Hypergolic fuel/oxidizer systems are broadly deployed in rocket and missile systems, including those for NASA and Ballistic Missile Defense Systems (BMDS). Safety considerations and the need to maximize system operational readiness is pushing the continued development of hypergolic fuel and oxidizer sensor systems for use in missile transport/launch canisters. Makel Engineering is developing a smart sensor system that takes advantage of microfabrication techniques and integrates solid state gas detection films on integrated sensor platform structures. A smart sensor which can operate in a sealed missile canister and can discriminate a significant leak from background interferences will provide the end-user with intelligent, actionable information regarding the presence and significance of a leak so that proper corrective action can be taken. A low power, modular system with long sensor element life will result in a low maintenance system design for minimum logistical footprint.