SBIR-STTR Award

The Zero G Mass Measurement Device (ZGMMD) will provide the ability to quantify the mass of objects up to 2,000 grams, including live animal specimens in a zero G environment, an innovative because there currently are no such devices available to perform mass measurement of smaller masses (< 2000 grams) in space. At present there are no tools on board the International Space Station (ISS) to measure low mass objects, which is a capability that is extremely important for biological research. The ZGMMD would provide the capability to quantify the mass of an object, while limiting the acceleration applied to the object. The ZGMMD would be capable of being used in the Microgravity Sciences Glovebox (MSG) or could someday be integrated with payloads such as the Plant Habitat (PH). The ZGMMD innovation provides a fundamental capability (measuring mass of an object) that would increase the capabilities of NASA's fundamental space biology program. A significant amount of fundamental biology has occurred on the ground that has utilized mass measurements; therefore to compare zero G results with previously conducted ground experiments, mass measurement capabilities should be provided. Successful completion of Phase I and II efforts would provide these previously mentioned capabilities.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The primary application for NASA would be to use the ZGMMD within the LSG on board the ISS. However this device could be integrated with future payloads to provide the ability to autonomously measure the mass of objects. Integrating a device such as the ZGMMD, would increase scientific significance and data collection, while reducing necessary crew intervention for measuring mass of low mass objects.

Potential NON-NASA Commercial Applications:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) Potential non-NASA applications are limited because the proposed device is most useful in zero G environments; however there is some potential for use with commercial zero G flights. Should commercial spaceflight ever become common, private researchers may desire mass measurements during a time of no gravity. The measurement of the mass of an object is one of the most common measurements taken in scientific fields. ZGMMD would be available for future research needs.

Technology Taxonomy Mapping:
(NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.) Actuators & Motors Analytical Instruments (Solid, Liquid, Gas, Plasma, Energy; see also Sensors) Biological (see also Biological Health/Life Support) Biophysical Utilization Electromagnetic Inertial Man-Machine Interaction Robotics (see also Control & Monitoring; Sensors)

The Zero Gravity Mass Measurement Device (ZGMMD) provides the ability to measure the mass of samples in a microgravity environment, like that found on the International Space Station (ISS). One of the primary measurements often taken during science experiments is mass. This is even more relevant in biology, where mass is often one of the key measurements taken for analysis. During the Phase I effort, a ZGMMD prototype was developed, tested, and demonstrated the feasibility of a means to determine the mass of samples less than 1kg, without the use of earth's gravity. The ZGMMD's innovative way of determining the mass, of low mass objects, in microgravity environments has been shown to be feasible, and effective. The Phase I prototype has shown to be able to provide great mass measurement capabilities, exceeding the Phase I requirements, specifically in accuracy and precision.

Potential NASA Commercial Applications:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) The ZGMMD has an immediate application for NASA aboard the ISS. It could be utilized right away with a number of fundamental space biology experiments that are either in progress, or will be starting soon. The ZGMMD offers a very desirable capability often utilized in most lab settings for mice, plants, and



Potential NON-NASA Commercial Applications:
:
(Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words) ZGMMD also has the potential for uses in other Non NASA applications, for commercial companies involved with providing space research platforms, like Bigelow Aerospace, Virgin Galactic, Sierra Nevada, Blue Origins, Boeing, SpaceX, and Orbital Sciences. ZGMMD may prove valuable in not only orbital situations, but perhaps even in sub-orbital flights in which mass may be valuable to collect under those conditions.

Technology Taxonomy Mapping:
(NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.) Actuators & Motors Algorithms/Control Software & Systems (see also Autonomous Systems) Analytical Instruments (Solid, Liquid, Gas, Plasma, Energy; see also Sensors) Autonomous Control (see also Control & Monitoring) Biological (see also Biological Health/Life Support) Biophysical Utilization Health Monitoring & Sensing (see also Sensors) Inertial Machines/Mechanical Subsystems Robotics (see also Control & Monitoring; Sensors)