Description: With the advent of advanced materials and electronics highly sensitive to currently approved sterilization technologies by the NASA, there is a need for alternative technologies. Research performed during SurfPlasma’s Phase II project has led to the development of a plasma-based sterilization system, called the Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS), that is capable of sterilizing a large variety of pathogens for multiple common material types. Potential applications include sterilization of spacecraft components, ground-based contamination control that can withstand testing operations, and in-flight cross-contamination control. Advances in the APS system are necessary to increase system reliability for both ground-usage and potential space usage. Continued development and manufacturing of the technology will enhance mission integration capabilities as well as increase confidence in plasma-related technologies, including but not limited to the APS system. The main goal of the Phase II-E project is to manufacture, test, and increase the TRL of SurfPlasma’s APS system for adhering to NASA sterilization needs on both ground station usage and space usage. The goals of this proposal are split into two paths. Goals relevant to continued APS research include determining the sterilization capability for (1) microorganisms associated with spacecraft subsystems and (2) mission relevant materials. Goals relevant to manufacturing and testing of the APS system include (3) analyzing the current design and needed redesigns for (4) low-rate manufacturing and (5) testing in a low-gravity environment. The proposed deliverables include a manufactured APS system and specifications, including but not limited to technical specs, compatible materials and pathogens.

Benefits: Potential NASA applications of the portable Active Plasma Sterilizer (APS) include safe, effective and low-temp sterilization of tools and equipment for contamination control. The APS can be used on the ground station or potentially in space. It can be used separately or be integrated into an existing system. The APS will be useful for sensitive equipment that would otherwise be damaged by existing decontamination technologies using high temperature and harsh chemicals; and for equipment with hidden surfaces where UV system would not penetrate.

Non-NASA applications of the APS includes decontamination of tools and equipment for use, re-use or disposal in (a) space agency applications, (b) medical device manufacturing industry, (c) hospitals and clinics, and (d) food and beverage industry. It addresses the broad medical and societal need for a superior safety, low-temp, convenient, user-friendly, and cost-effective sterilization solution.