For exploration missions, leak monitoring of vehicle propulsion systems, detection of low concentrations of hydrogen and other fuels is important to avoid explosive conditions that could harm personnel and damage the vehicle.
Dependable vehicle operation also depends on the timely and accurate measurement of these leaks. Thus, the development of multiple sensors (a sensor array) to determine the concentration of fuels such as hydrogen, hydrocarbon, or hydrazine as well as oxygen is necessary for in-space propulsion applications. In the rocket propulsion industry, hydrogen propellant leaks pose significant operational problems. In 1990, leaks on the Space Shuttle while on the launch pad temporarily grounded the fleet until the leak source could be identified.
In the rocket propulsion industry, hydrogen propellant leaks pose significant operational problems. In 1990, leaks on the Space Shuttle while on the launch pad temporarily grounded the fleet until the leak source could be identified.
