Space Busters

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1L0ljHz_d0VHMIU5RE6vGS8bzrJsRHpts01x-a9dP5mM/edit?usp=sharing

http://object.atwebpages.com/Space/#video

How it works (description)

The OMeGa-D+ is a portable, handheld, and easy to use gas detector that can be used on Mars and other rocky planets and celestial bodies to analyse the gases in the air (to be specific: sulphur dioxide,oxygen,carbon dioxide,methane) shown as PPB (parts per billion). It also tracks the location while it is recording the gas composition so that the data can be uploaded for future analysis. The gas detector can be used to characterize the surface environment of the planet but also has a multitude of uses for planetary exploration and purposes here on earth (described under uses).   

Gases that it may be able to detect in an advanced version include carbon-monoxide, ozone, hydrogen, nitrogen, and argon. 

If this device was created, it would support pure and applied science applications and would allow astronauts to explore other worlds and potentially make big discoveries!

Uses

This data collected can be applied to support space exploration by allowing for atmospheric analysis. This can support:

• The identification of dangerous gases that need to be avoided in filtration within Life Support Systems. 
• In addition to identification of these gases in Space, the device may have spin-off applications on earth to support gas detection (for example, carbon-doxide, carbon-monoxide, argon) for safety reasons. https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/engineering/life_support_systems/air_and_water_systems_testing/gas/index.html 
• The optimization of Life Support Systems: The identification of life-giving or friendly gases can be used to help optimize Life Support Systems. These system are an integral part of a deep space habitation capability. This is one of the the main focus areas of AES - www.nasa.gov/content/life-support-systems ). Habitation systems will provide a safe place for humans as we travel deeper into space and life support is key to survival inside a deep space habitat.
• The detection of gases that are crucial to life: (for example, methane may be an indication of bacterial life forms https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/ps_7.html 
• The detection of utilitarian gases that can be used for a purpose while in space (or in a commercial spin-off application on earth): The identification of utilitarian gases such as H2O, H2O2, Methane, etc could be used for rocket fuel, drinking or breathing. 
• Detection of gases that help to understand about possible past civilizations (this is a future use and probably won't happen 

Applicability and Feasibility: 

We think this is quite feasible in the next few years or even now. Beginning with modifications to the practical components that are already available, a prototype could be developed as a minimum viable product (MVP). If successful, the concept could be further developed to incorporate sensors to measure additional key gases.

Links

Project Webpage:

OMeGa-D+

Project Demo/presentation (slides):

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1L0ljHz_d0VHMIU5RE6vGS8bzrJsRHpts01x-a9dP5mM/edit?usp=sharing

How We Addressed This Challenge

The team addressed this challenge creatively, thinking through some of the needs that could be addressed when exploring a planetary surface, using Mars as the conceptual target. Four solutions to this problem were proposed and the team narrowed them down to the OMeGa-D+. Initially, the intent was to devise a tool that would detect gases crucial to life. 

After some research, the team realised that by combining the ability to sense the volume of certain gases in the atmosphere and by combining this capability with location data, it would be possible to map out the gases on a planet or celestial body. The team also linked the capabilities of the device to applications that could improve or optimise life support systems, detect hazardous gases, and identify potential locations of a variety of deposits. In addition, the team realised that spin-off applications could be created for use here on earth. These include applications related to safety applications as well as mining and gas and mineral exploration here on earth.

The team’s original design transformed through collaboration and research. Materials were selected to improve on efficiency and cost. 

Solution Design:

The solution is quite a simple yet effective way to address the challenge identified in the article: The Tools Astronauts Will Use to Explore Distant Worlds | NASA:

“When astronauts land again on the surface of another world, their limited resources will allow for a short window of time each day to explore their new surroundings. Instruments designed to quickly reveal the terrain’s chemistry and form will help them understand the environments around them and how they change over time.”

The OMeGa-D can be held in the hand of an astronaut, clipped to a space suit, attached to a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle), or attached to a manned or unmanned rover. Coordinates are identified when recording begins. Movement is monitored and recorded together with information regarding gas volumes as the device moves with an individual, UAV or rover. 

Specifications:

Size and Weight

Size: Approximately 1 foot long and 6 inches wide. 

Weight: Maximum of 800-900 grams to ensure that it is possible to carry on a planet like Mars.

Materials

Kevlar: To give the OMega-D+ a firm grip and to protect it from harmful activities (the OMeGa-D+ is not fully coated in Kevlar as if it was the machinery would not work as well).

Casing: Made of Aluminium because of its lightweight and coated in graphene to provide it with strength.

Clip for space suit, rover or UAV: To attach to a rover, space suit, or UAV to Detect and measure gas levels.

Handle: Made of aluminium like the case with a kevlar grip. Also coated with graphene to maker it more sturdy.

Aluminium with a coating of graphene to cover the outer shell of OMeGa-D+ to protect it from the harsh environments of planets. Aluminium was chosen because it is cheap and lightweight. Graphene makes the product more sturdy.

Components

Components that are readily available on the market were selected to detect methane, oxygen, sulphur-dioxide, and carbon-dioxide as inexpensive first steps:

Accelerometer : The accelerometer is used to track the location of the device while it is recording gas levels. It is used to measure the movement of the device on the planet. The initial location must be defined to measure how far and what direction the device has moved.

Raspberry pi: This includes the basic LCD screen Adafruit PiTFT - Front (14488806740. The main board used to program the components and store the location of the gas composition and its measurement to use them for future analysis. As well as allows an individual to see the gas readings in ppb in real-time. The ppb along with the geolocation is also recorded for further analysis.

Nickel-cadmium battery: Long lasting battery used in space technology (note: this battery is not rechargeable so will have to be replaced from time to time).

Electrochemical oxygen sensor: To detect oxygen using by measuring a chemical reaction within the sensor that creates an electrical output proportional to the oxygen level (NOTE: SENSOR DIES AFTER 1-3 YEARS OF USE SO IT MUST BE REPLACED).

Methane Infrared sensor: To detect methane using an infrared sensor.

Sulphur-dioxide Infrared sensor: To detect sulphur-dioxide using an infrared sensor.

Carbon-dioxide Infrared sensor: To detect carbon-dioxide using an infrared sensor.

Wires: To get electrons and electricity from point A to point B.

Graphene coated glass: to cover the screen and also to protect it.

Hinges: to open and close the OMeGa-D+ to charge and replace batteries and to repair the inside.

Some of these components may require some modification to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation. 

In addition to simple strong components that were integrated into the design to support detection of oxygen and methane, the solutions described as part of a chip-on-a-lab may be of help to support detection of other gases through smaller technology. https://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technologies/lab_on_chip.html NASA - Honey, I Shrunk the Lab! and https://www.nasa.gov/centers/marshall/news/news/releases/2006/06-138.html 

Next Steps

The materials and components identified have been researched but should be further validated. A prototype should be costed and built prior to putting the device through standard project design, build, run phases. 

Exploration of inclusion of sensors for the detection of additional gases to the system that support life. Alternatively, the OMeGA-D could detect gases that are detrimental to life. Argon, ozone, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide carbon di-oxide nitrogen and hydrogen.

Tags

#Gas #Hardware #3Dmode l#Analyser #Detector #Sensor #GasMap #Methane #Oxygen #PlanetarySciencetools #3DModelingFormats #GasDetector

SAM | Instruments – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program - used to get ideas but not in the final product.

The Tools Astronauts Will Use to Explore Distant Worlds | NASA - ties into our project

www.nasa.gov/content/life-support-systems: This inspired the understanding of how the detection and knowledge of existing gases could impact

The Tools Astronauts Will Use to Explore Distant Worlds | NASA): This document was discovered late into the conceptual design but was similar in design (but not application) to the device that the team was creating. It allowed the team to consider how additional gas sensors might be added in a small way.

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/engineering/life_support_systems/air_and_water_systems_testing/gas/index

https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/ps_7.html Research on gas detection

Air Purifiers Eliminate Pathogens, Preserve Food | NASA Spinoff Research on gas detection

Methane Detector Sniffs Out Leaks | NASA Spinoff Research on gas detection

Light-Induced Oxidation Cleans Air, Surfaces, Clothes | NASA Spinoff Research on gas detection

Find an Extraterrestrial Civilization Using Its Pollution (nasa.gov) Considered as an application for the gas detector but determined not to identify in the case of Mars.

Smaller, Cheaper Lasers Can Detect Gas, Monitor Structures, Take Tissue Images | NASA Spinoff

20150018921.pdf (nasa.gov) Research on gas detection

Description of Space Apps Experience

Bhaskar: The goal of this challenge is to apply and gain experience in various problems such as reasoning, team coordination, engineering and time management, All these factors had to be handled within a duration of 48 hours which gives valuable training and feedback. The overall experience was amazing and it helped me to learn a lot of new things

Horiya: The experience was great and unique since I worked with different members from different countries . I enjoyed every second as much as I learn and got more knowledge

Naman: I personally enjoyed every second this competition was once in a life-time apportunity and most importantly I had fun and I learnt many things

Navida: This is my 1st Space Apps Challenge and I loved it. 1st I was like Oh God This Sucks but then I found some friends and this great team I'm glad that I registered for this year's Space Apps Challenge I'm looking forward to join the next years challenge too :)

Zander: My space apps experience was great! it was my first one and I enjoyed every second of it. I loved working with and helping the team and each teammate helped out and has done something to help the team.

How we chose the challenge

Naman initiated the team and chose this challenge. Here are the reasons each team member chose the challenge:

Bhaskar: Choosing the challenge was initially time consuming as there were a lot of domains to be chosen from. I made the decision to go with the virtual planetary exploration as it is an upcoming idea for future exploration.

Horiya: I choose this challenge since I am interesting on hardware field and I have much knowledge on it  

Naman: When I Initiated my brain to find team members and when we did your first virtual meet we knew we have different ideas but one thing we all agreed on was air is important and that is how the idea of OMeGa-D+ was born

Navida: When I was searching for a team I found this team in Virtual Planetary Exploration V2.0 and I asked Naman to let me in so that's how I got into this challenge. I'm so glad that I'm in this challenge with this team.

Zander: I only found out about Space Apps a few days before the hackathon started. I knew finding a good team was important. Naman recruited me. He already had two programmers on board and I thought working with some adults with good skills and someone else my age was a great combination. I am also currently in Australia and I was looking for people in timezones that were close to mine.

Approach to developing the project

When we first met, we presented 4 ideas to the group. As a group, we selected one of the ideas to work on. We started doing research and when we had a reasonable concept developed, we illustrated what the design could look like. We then worked together to solve challenges and problems related to the design. We then each took a part of the work to complete and met again to work through the description.

Bhaskar worked on the 3d modelling and Horiya and Naman worked on the website. Navida worked on the 7 slide presentation and Naman and Zander worked on the document and forms.

Setbacks and challenges

We had some challenges setting the time of the calls because many of us are in different time zones.

Another is fitting in lots of sensors.

And another challenge/setback was that we lost a team member but we overcame it.

One setback was that we couldn't find CC non-copyrighted pictures of all the components used in the device.

While trying to insert the 3D Models into the website, we were unable to insert the model with colour despite having developed it with color. With multiple time zones and some young team members, and a looming tornado in one time zone, the team stuck together to the end to do the best job we could. To solve the problem, We added a link to the 3D model into the website here: Free online CAD Viewer. View AutoCAD DWG/DXF, HPGL PLT, SVG, CGM, STEP, IGES, STL, SAT (ACIS®), Parasolid (x_t, x_b), SolidWorks ™ (sldprt) files in web (sharecad.org)

Who we would like to thank

We would like to thank Naman's and Zander's moms for finding out about this hackathon for them. We would also like to thank NASA. the Space Apps community including all the competitors and the SMEs and the ambassadors for all their help along the way. We also thank everyone who worked hard to set up this hackathon including all partner space agencies that helped with this years event. Finally we would like to thank the our team most of all for helping out with the project and in the end having a ton of fun!

The Tools Astronauts Will Use to Explore Distant Worlds | NASA: This helped to inspire a way to fit additional sensors in a future version of the gas detector

Sulfur Dioxide Sensor Module - SO2 Air Quality Sensor Module (oizom.com): Identification of specific gas sensor

SAM | Instruments – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program - used to get ideas but not in the final product.

The Tools Astronauts Will Use to Explore Distant Worlds | NASA -

www.nasa.gov/content/life-support-systems ties into our project

https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/engineering/life_support_systems/air_and_water_systems_testing/gas/index

https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2019/ps_7.html Research on gas detection

Air Purifiers Eliminate Pathogens, Preserve Food | NASA Spinoff: This inspired the idea that we could find real applications for this device on earth.

Methane Detector Sniffs Out Leaks | NASA Spinoff: Research on sensors

Light-Induced Oxidation Cleans Air, Surfaces, Clothes | NASA Spinoff : Research on gas detection

Find an Extraterrestrial Civilization Using Its Pollution (nasa.gov): Considered as an application for the gas detector but determined not to identify in the case of Mars.

Smaller, Cheaper Lasers Can Detect Gas, Monitor Structures, Take Tissue Images | NASA Spinoff: Research on gas detection

Infrared Gas Sensor MH-440D/ Methane Gas Sensor/ CH4 Detection--Winsen (winsen-sensor.com):

20150018921.pdf (nasa.gov) Research on sensors

Understanding How an Oxygen Analyzer Works and Can Save Your Life - SRP Control Systems Ltd.:

https://gaslab.com/blogs/articles/how-does-an-oxygen-sensor-work Research on sensors

https://beta.sharecad.org/ software used to make the colour 3d model

https://sketchfab.com/ software used to make the colour less 3d model

#Gas #Hardware #3Dmode l#Analyser #Detector #Sensor #GasMap #Methane #Oxygen #PlanetarySciencetools #3DModelingFormats #GasDetector

This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.