Description: Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI), proposes to design, build, laboratory and field test, and deliver to NASA an innovative, autonomous, lightweight, low power, wireless communication woven distributed fiber optic sensor (WevFOS) structural health monitoring and diagnosis system suitable for the in-situ, real-time, global assessment of the passive and dynamic loads/stress/strains, temperature, pressure, and acoustics state within large and entire cross-sections of the inflatable soft-goods materials and restrain layer structures used in the construction of NASA's future space habitat systems for space exploration missions. In the Phase I program, ROI will implement a manufacturing methodology for weaving fiber optic strain sensors within Vectran or Kevlar textile fabrics, braids, and strands used in the construction assembly of the inflatable habitat bladder structural restrain layer. Using the produced "Smart" restrain layer textile fabrics, ROI plans to produce a simulated down-scale laboratory test prototype of an inflatable structure incorporating a distributed array of 8- to 12-sensor fibers, each integrating a multiplex array 12- to 16 strain sensors suitable for the multi-point distributed of the global load/stress/strain, temperature, and pressure state of the bladder restrain layer inflatable simulator under a variety of loads (20,000-lbs/in in width) and harsh environmental conditions expected in NASA's inflatable habitat structures. In Phase II, ROI will complete the engineering development, produce, extensively laboratory test, environmentally qualify, and demonstrate the assembly production of a down-scale inflatable habitat platform integrated with a WevFOS SHM system for the real time global measurement of the strain dynamics of the bladder restrain layer under standard space environment operational conditions. In Phase III with the support of a strategic partner, ROI will transition the WevFOS technology to NASA's inflatable habitat programs, and commerc

Benefits: All of NASA's current and future space exploration programs will benefit significantly from this project, wherein the key technological challenge is to develop "Smart" inflatable structures integrated with fiber optic sensors for high fidelity monitoring and characterization of load, stress, strain, temperature, and pressure in large complex inflatable habitat structures. Specific NASA applications of the propose WevFOS SHM system include un-attended inspections on inflatable habitats, airlocks, and space stations can be used for in-space living spaces and surface exploration missions. Inflatable blimps and rovers can be used for advanced missions to other worlds. Inflatable satellites, booms, and antennas can be used in low-Earth orbit applications. Inflatable heatshields, decelerators, and airbags can be used for entry, descent, and landing applications. These applications are just a few of the uses of "Smart" inflatable structures integrated with the WevFOS for the real-time structural health monitoring assessment of the structure during the planned long-term space explorations missions.The success of this program will lay the foundation for ROI's development and commercial production of "Smart" textiles and fabrics used in advanced structures. The global Smart fabrics market was valued at USD 6.81 Million units in 2024, and is expected to reach 11.38 Million units by 2029, at a CAGR of 10.85% over the forecast period (2024-2029). ROI and its strategic partners expect to capitalize within this market opportunity based on the expected successful development, demonstration, and commercialization of the WevFOS SHM technology and to aggressively capture a significant portion of the distributed sensing monitoring market for aerospace and avionics applications within five years of operations after completion of the Phase II program. Major industries ROI will pursue include the aerospace and aviation industry, oil & gas and petrochemical industries, wind turbines, utilities, coal, gas, and nuclear power and water treatment plants, automotive, seaports, warehouses, military facilities, airports, civil engineering construction, and healthcare.