Abstract
To further extended deep space exploration missions, both through commercial space endeavors and through government-funded opportunities, the hazard of toxic gas accumulation onboard space vehicles must be quickly resolved to ensure mission success. Such events can occur due to fire events or fuel/oxidizer leaks. Several hazardous gases that are present in a space environment have absorption features in the mid-infrared range and thus can be detected and quantified via absorption spectroscopy. This work presents a benchtop sensor that utilizes a 4.2 μm light-emitting diode and a rotating diffraction grating to detect both carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Subsequent works will focus on adding further species of interest and post benchtop testing.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.