Advancing In-Situ Corrosion Monitoring for High-Temperature Space Systems with Fiber Optic Sensing

K. Greene
FibrX, Nevada, United States

Keywords: corrosion monitoring, fiber optic sensing, high-temperature reactors, structural health, MOSA systems

As NASA prepares for next-generation space exploration and energy systems, one critical challenge remains: in-situ corrosion monitoring in high-temperature, high-radiation environments. FibrX’s patented fiber optic sensing platform directly addresses NASA’s Shortfall #1596 by providing continuous, non-invasive monitoring of structural integrity and corrosion inside extreme operational settings, including high-temperature reactors. This presentation will explore how our Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor network, combined with AI-driven analytics and digital twin visualization, enables real-time detection of strain, temperature, and corrosion at the metal/coating interface. We will discuss the system’s unique advantages over conventional sensors—including EMI immunity, lightweight design, and scalability—and demonstrate its alignment with Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles, ensuring interoperability and mission adaptability across both NASA and DoD platforms. Attendees will gain insight into the technical capabilities, potential use cases, and collaborative pathways—such as NASA’s Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO)—for accelerating corrosion sensing innovations into operational space missions.