Monitoring temperature in planes and spacecraft

As space travel can last not only days but months, scientists need new ways of measuring structural integrity of spacecraft, as well as monitoring extreme cryogenic (-238°F!) temperatures and temperatures during rocket entry, descent, and landing.

NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, CA developed a Fiber Optic Sensing System for extended space travel which can also be used in airplanes. The new system’s sensors are the thickness of a human hair. NASA is entering a collaborative partnership with two companies to further develop the system for deep space and which will commercialize the technology for next generation vehicles and other uses.

Learn more at nasa.gov.