NASA STTR  SUCCESS STORY Glenn Research Center
STTR 1999 Phase III

Compact Low Cost Hazardous Gas Detection System

Makel Engineering, Inc.

Chico,CA

INNOVATION
    Timely and accurate leak detection or miniaturization of sensor size and electronics and reliable operation in inert environments
Microfabricated Hydrogen Sensors
Microfabricated Hydrogen Sensors
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
  • Base technology developed through NASA Marshall STTR
  • Chosen for inclusion on NASA International Space Station for water processing 02 generator
  • Bantam program dropped size by 10 and Gen II Program dropped size by 20
  • Team of Makel, Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), Kennedy, and Glenn received the 2003 TGIR award
COMMERCIALIZATION
  • Phase III funding of $1.6M from NASA Glenn to target Bantam applications, ability to detect fires, and follow-on Gen II and Next Generation Launch technologies Leak Detection System research
  • In-kind of $25K each from Makel, Cleveland Metrohealth, and CWRU for asthma clinical and treatment application apparatus/mask research
  • Working with Boeing on sensors for fire detection to be tested in July - $30K
  • Ford Motor has installed on hydrogen internal combustion vehicle and on U car concept vehicle at Detroit 2003 Auto Show
GOVERNMENT/SCIENCE APPLICATIONS
  • Responsive to NASA's Advanced Space Transportation Mission Safety Objective of reducing incidence of crew loss and reducing costs
  • Marshall has funded Next Generation Launch Technology Technology project with Makel, CWRU, & Kennedy
  • NASA Kennedy is verifying flight qualification in development of postage size sensor
  • System delivered and validated on two NASA Hyper X flights with demonstration considered a substantial program accomplishment
  • Technology is used in the NASA Helios Program and on the International space Station for water processing O2 generator
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